Logan Lucky 2017
Directed by
Steven Soderbergh
Made by
ARP Sélection
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Logan Lucky (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
West Virginian Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) faces a tough break when he is laid off from his construction position at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, due to a breach of contract stemming from undisclosed health issues. His life revolves around his daughter, Sadie (Farrah Mackenzie), who lives with his ex-wife, Bobbie Jo (Katie Holmes), her current husband, Moody (David Denman), and their two sons. As Sadie participates in beauty pageants, Jimmy’s sister, Mellie (Riley Keough), is the one who styles her hair. When Bobbie Jo and Moody plan to move to Lynchburg for Moody’s new car dealership, Jimmy becomes concerned, fearing the distance will cut into his time with Sadie.
Struggling financially and frequently dealing with phone disconnections, Jimmy finds solace at a bar where his brother, Clyde (Adam Driver), works. Clyde, a war veteran and amputee, believes their family is cursed. After a confrontation with Max Chilblain (Seth MacFarlane), a condescending NASCAR-team owner, tensions flare, leading to a bar fight and a plan devised by Jimmy to rob the Speedway by taking advantage of its underground pneumatic tube system. This system transports money across the complex, a system Jimmy knows well.
Recruiting his sister Mellie and incarcerated safe-cracker Joe Bang (Daniel Craig), along with Joe’s simple-minded brothers, Sam and Fish, Jimmy puts together a robbery team. Despite ethical hesitations, Sam and Fish reluctantly join under the condition that it’s for a “moral reason”. The plan grows increasingly intricate, especially as they decide to execute it during the high-traffic Coca-Cola 600 race.
As the robbery day approaches, Clyde intentionally lands in prison to orchestrate the breakout for Joe Bang. Meanwhile, Mellie plays a pivotal role by working within the Speedway, helping to map out the tube system by using painted cockroaches. On the day of the heist, chaos ensues with an inmate-staged riot as Joe and Clyde escape in a cleverly disguised manner, while Mellie’s assistance ensures the robbery runs smoothly despite unforeseen complications, such as a reverse vacuum mishap involving Clyde’s prosthetic arm.
As the heist kicks off, their plan nearly goes awry when they run into Max Chilblain again, leading to a confrontation amidst cash collectin. Back at the prison, a comedic situation unfolds where inmates demand the latest novels of a popular book series, culminating in a fire alarm that adds to the chaotic atmosphere.
In a moment of reflection, Jimmy makes the difficult choice to abandon the heist money for the sake of his daughter, anonymously notifying the police of its location. In the aftermath, FBI agent Sarah Grayson (Hilary Swank) investigates but struggles to gather evidence against the crew, as the case is ultimately dismissed without arrests.
Six months later, as things begin to settle, Jimmy and Clyde find a way to reclaim their hidden cash, signaling that they have successfully outsmarted the authorities. The film concludes with a touching reunion for Jimmy, who has transitioned to a new life working at Lowe’s near his family, while rekindling relationships with his crew and a new love, Sylvia (Katherine Waterston). Their journey ends with camaraderie and optimism, while Grayson watches them from a distance, hinting that the saga of the Logan brothers might not be entirely over.
Timeline
Track the key events of Logan Lucky (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jimmy Loses His Job
Jimmy Logan is laid off from his construction job at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a setback that directly impacts his ability to provide for himself and his daughter, Sadie. This breach of contract due to undisclosed health issues marks a significant downturn in his life as he struggles to adjust to this new reality.
Concern Over Sadie's Future
As his ex-wife Bobbie Jo plans to move to Lynchburg with her new husband Moody, Jimmy becomes increasingly worried about the potential impact on his relationship with his daughter Sadie. This impending distance fuels his desire to find a way to be more present in her life.
Bar Scene with Clyde
In an attempt to escape his troubles, Jimmy spends time at a bar where his brother Clyde works. The two brothers discuss their family troubles, including Clyde’s traumatic war experiences and his belief in the family's curse, laying the groundwork for their future plans.
Confrontation with Max Chilblain
After a condescending encounter with NASCAR team owner Max Chilblain, tensions boil over at the bar, leading to a fight. This confrontation serves as a catalyst for Jimmy's decision to execute a robbery plan against the Speedway.
The Robbery Plan Starts to Form
Following their altercation with Chilblain, Jimmy devises an intricate plan to rob the Speedway, leveraging his knowledge of its underground pneumatic tube system. He recruits his sister Mellie and imprisoned safe-cracker Joe Bang, along with his simple-minded brothers.
Clyde's Incarceration Plan
Clyde, wanting to facilitate Joe Bang's escape, intentionally lands himself in prison. This act is part of a strategic move to set up their complicated heist at the Speedway while he also confronts his feelings about their family’s supposed curse.
Mellie's Contribution
Mellie plays a crucial role in helping Jimmy's plan succeed by secretly mapping out the pneumatic tube system within the Speedway. Her innovative method involves using painted cockroaches to keep track of their layout.
Heist Day Chaos
On the day of the heist, an unexpected prison riot staged by inmates provides the perfect cover for Joe and Clyde’s escape. Meanwhile, Mellie's meticulous planning ensures the heist is underway, though they encounter unforeseen complications.
The Heist Begins
With the heist in full swing, Jimmy’s plan is jeopardized when they once again cross paths with Max Chilblain. The ensuing confrontation creates a tense moment during the cash collection process, threatening to unravel their carefully laid plans.
Inmates' Request for Novels
While chaos reigns in the Speedway, a humorous scene involving inmates at the prison escalates when they demand the latest novels of a popular series. The situation culminates in a fire alarm that only adds to the overall discord during the heist.
Critical Decision
In a moment of selflessness, Jimmy chooses to abandon the stolen money, prioritizing his daughter Sadie's safety over personal gain. He anonymously tips off the police about its location, showcasing his growth as a father.
Investigation by FBI
FBI agent Sarah Grayson takes on the case, working diligently to gather evidence against Jimmy and his crew. However, her investigation faces numerous challenges, ultimately resulting in the case being dismissed with no arrests made.
Reclaiming the Hidden Cash
Six months later, Jimmy and Clyde develop a plan to recover their hidden cash, indicating their cleverness has paid off. The successful retrieval marks a turning point for the brothers as they regain a sense of hope.
New Beginnings
As the film concludes, Jimmy embraces a fresh start by taking a job at Lowe's, allowing him to be closer to his family. His journey culminates in a touching reunion with his crew and the blossoming of a new romance with Sylvia.
The Watchful Eye of Grayson
As Jimmy and his crew celebrate their new paths, FBI agent Sarah Grayson observes them from a distance, suggesting that her pursuit of justice is not yet finished. This hints at the possibility of future complications for the Logan brothers.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Logan Lucky (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jimmy Logan
Jimmy is a down-on-his-luck father whose unwavering dedication to his daughter drives the plot. Despite facing a series of setbacks, he demonstrates resilience and creativity in orchestrating the heist. His character embodies the struggle of a loving parent caught in challenging circumstances.
Clyde Logan
Clyde is Jimmy's war veteran brother, grappling with his past as an amputee and believing their family is cursed. His loyalty and willingness to assist in the heist showcase his depth and desire to support his brother, despite his own challenges. Clyde's humor and resourcefulness shine throughout the film.
Sadie Logan
Sadie is the sweet daughter of Jimmy, whose innocence and aspirations fuel her father's quest for a better life. Participating in beauty pageants, she represents the hope and future that Jimmy strives to secure. Her character serves as a poignant reminder of what truly matters to him.
Mellie Logan
Mellie is Jimmy's resourceful sister, who becomes integral to the heist's planning. Her skills in styling and quick thinking demonstrate her capability beyond her family role. Mellie's determination adds a layer of depth as she helps navigate the complexities of the plan.
Sarah Grayson
Sarah is the determined FBI agent investigating the robbery. Her diligent pursuit of justice adds tension to the story, representing the law's challenges against the cunning of Jimmy and his crew. She ultimately finds her efforts thwarted, which adds a twist to the narrative.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Logan Lucky (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of 'Logan Lucky' unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern-day issues such as financial strain, familial relationships, and the pursuit of dreams. The backdrop of NASCAR culture underscores the high-stakes world of racing and its influence on American life today.
Location
Charlotte Motor Speedway, West Virginia, Lynchburg
The movie takes place primarily in West Virginia, focusing on the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a prominent site for NASCAR races known for its thrilling atmosphere. Lynchburg is also mentioned as a significant location where characters plan to relocate for business opportunities. The contrasting settings highlight the characters' personal struggles and ambitions in the backdrop of car racing culture.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Logan Lucky (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Family
At its core, 'Logan Lucky' explores the complexity of family dynamics, particularly the bond between Jimmy and his daughter, Sadie. The sacrifices made by Jimmy illustrate the lengths he will go to protect and provide for his family, despite being estranged from his ex-wife. The theme of family extends to the collaboration between siblings and the involvement of the crew in the heist.
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Crime
'Logan Lucky' delves into the world of crime, showcasing a humorous yet thrilling caper centered around a heist. The characters navigate moral ambiguities, justifying their actions as being for a 'good cause' while presenting a comedic take on criminal activity. The film examines the consequences of their choices in a lighthearted way, emphasizing the chaos that ensues.
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Redemption
Redemption is a significant theme in the film as Jimmy ultimately chooses his daughter's well-being over the lure of easy money. This decision to return the heist money highlights his growth and moral compass. The movie ends on a hopeful note, signifying a fresh start for the characters, suggesting that it's never too late to change one's path.
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