Man of the House 2005
Directed by
Stephen Herek
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Man of the House (2005). 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.
At the film’s outset, two Texas Rangers, Roland Sharp and Maggie Swanson, venture to a church to question Percy Stevens about the location of his former prison mate, Morgan Ball, who’s vital for testifying against the organized crime boss, John Cortlin. Percy, however, adamantly claims to be a “man of God,” asserting he’s had no contact with Ball for years. The situation intensifies when Percy’s cellphone unexpectedly rings, revealing Ball’s name, prompting Sharp and Swanson to locate him at a nearby warehouse. Instead of cooperating, Ball attempts to bribe Sharp with a key, but the Ranger takes the key and forces him outside. Just then, chaos erupts as a sniper begins firing, injuring Swanson and enabling Ball to escape amid the ensuing confusion. The chaos continues as a group of cheerleaders from the University of Texas at Austin witness the murder, while FBI agent Eddie Zaine is discovered next to Ball’s body, wounded but claiming he saw nothing.
Later, cheerleaders Anne Christina Milian, Teresa, Evie, Heather, and Barb Kelli Garner are taken to the police station, where their conflicting accounts of the shooter create further complications. Sharp is assigned to protect the girls after their frantic fathers express concern. The Governor of Texas, portrayed by Rick Perry, relays this urgent information. As Sharp’s unfolding narrative reveals, he is a divorced father of a high school daughter named Emma, who feels neglected by her father. Compounding the urgency, it becomes clear that Cortlin has been exonerated due to insufficient evidence.
In a revealing twist, we learn that Zaine is colluding with Cortlin, having orchestrated Ball’s murder while wounding himself to cover his tracks. Cortlin reprimands Zaine for leaving loose ends, compelling him to hunt down Sharp and the cheerleaders for their potential testimony. With Swanson recovering in the hospital, Sharp, alongside another pair of Texas Rangers, steps into the role of protector by moving in with the girls and overseeing their safety, including securing their sorority house.
Sharp establishes stringent rules, including banning cell phones and insisting that they dress modestly in his presence. The school setting introduces humor as he pretends to be a cheerleading coach, leading to amusing encounters, including tackling an opposing mascot during a football game. As the rapport between Sharp and the girls deepens, Barb starts to develop a crush on him. At the same time, Sharp finds himself drawn to Barb’s English teacher, Molly, leading to a charming dinner scenario aided by the girls’ coaching through a hidden earpiece.
However, as secrets surface, tensions rise when Sharp discovers that his daughter has been contacted by Zaine, who reveals dangerous demands via their phone conversation. In a nail-biting sequence, Sharp attends a “spirit rally,” where he passionately delivers a speech, finally connecting with the girls. Yet the evening turns grim when Sharp uncovers a bomb planted on their van, just in time to save Teresa from a near-fatal accident. Following this, he learns from Evie about the precarious situation involving Emma and Zaine.
The climax nears as Sharp follows Zaine’s directives to retrieve cash in exchange for his daughter’s safety. After being handcuffed to the steering wheel pursuant to Zaine’s threats, he nears a confrontation that leads to a chaotic escape on a bus, culminating in an adrenaline-fueled rescue mission by the cheerleaders. Sharp reclaims Emma, crucially disarming Zaine in the process.
In a heartwarming conclusion, Sharp and Molly unite in marriage as they celebrate alongside Emma and the cheerleaders, highlighting a story that intertwines courage, redemption, and familial bonds.
Timeline
Track the key events of Man of the House (2005) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Texas Rangers Investigate
The film opens with Texas Rangers Roland Sharp and Maggie Swanson visiting a church to question Percy Stevens about his former prison mate, Morgan Ball. Their primary goal is to find Ball, who is crucial for testifying against organized crime boss John Cortlin.
Percy Claims Ignorance
Percy Stevens adamantly denies knowing Morgan Ball, asserting he is a 'man of God' and has not been in contact with him for years. However, the situation takes a turn when Percy's cellphone rings, revealing Ball's name, prompting the Rangers to take immediate action.
Confrontation at the Warehouse
Sharp and Swanson track down Morgan Ball to a nearby warehouse, but instead of cooperating, Ball attempts to bribe Sharp with a key. In a tense moment, Sharp rejects the bribe and forces Ball outside, setting off a chain of violent events.
Sniper Attack
As chaos erupts at the warehouse, a sniper begins firing, injuring Maggie Swanson. Amidst the chaos, Morgan Ball manages to escape, and the situation spirals out of control with the involvement of unexpected witnesses.
FBI Agent Found
In the aftermath of the shooting, FBI agent Eddie Zaine is discovered next to Ball's body, injured but claiming he saw nothing. His presence raises suspicions about his involvement in the incident, introducing a new layer of intrigue.
Cheerleaders at the Police Station
The cheerleaders from the University of Texas at Austin, including Anne, Teresa, Evie, Heather, and Barb, are taken to the police station. Their conflicting testimonies about the shooter create further complications for the Texas Rangers.
Protection Duty
Amid rising tension, Texas Rangers are tasked with protecting the cheerleaders after their frantic fathers express concern. Sharp takes on the responsibility, assigning himself to be their protector.
Disclosing Family Issues
As the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that Roland Sharp is a divorced father who has neglected his daughter, Emma. This personal struggle adds depth to his character, intensifying his commitment to protecting the cheerleaders.
Zaine's Devious Plan
In a surprising twist, it is uncovered that Eddie Zaine is colluding with the crime boss Cortlin. Zaine had orchestrated Morgan Ball's murder and wounded himself to cover up his involvement, adding urgency to Sharp's mission.
Life in the Sorority House
With Swanson recovering in the hospital, Sharp moves in with the cheerleaders to ensure their safety. He establishes strict rules, including a ban on cell phones, leading to amusing interactions as he pretends to be their cheerleading coach.
Sharp's Connection with the Girls
As Sharp spends more time with the cheerleaders, he forms a bond with them, especially with Barb, who develops a crush on him. This connection adds warmth and humor to the otherwise tense atmosphere.
Dinner with Molly
While navigating his role as a protector, Sharp finds himself attracted to Barb’s English teacher, Molly. This leads to a charming dinner scenario, orchestrated by the cheerleaders coaching Sharp through a hidden earpiece.
Spirit Rally Speech
Amid rising tensions and threats against his daughter, Sharp delivers an impassioned speech at a 'spirit rally.' This marks a pivotal moment where he truly connects with the cheerleaders and galvanizes them.
Bomb Threat
The situation escalates when Sharp uncovers a bomb hidden on their van, which narrowly saves one of the cheerleaders, Teresa, from a near-fatal accident. This incident heightens the stakes dramatically, illustrating the real danger they face.
Climactic Rescue
In a high-stakes conclusion, Sharp follows Zaine's demands to retrieve cash for his daughter's safety. After a dramatic confrontation and bus escape, he successfully rescues Emma, leading to a final showdown with Zaine.
A Heartwarming Conclusion
The film wraps up with Sharp and Molly uniting in marriage, celebrating their newfound love among the cheerleaders and his daughter, Emma. This closing moment underscores the themes of courage, redemption, and the importance of family.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Man of the House (2005) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Roland Sharp (Tommy Lee Jones)
Roland Sharp is a tough yet well-meaning Texas Ranger tasked with the protection of cheerleaders amidst a brewing crime crisis. Despite his gruff exterior, he grapples with personal challenges, like reconnecting with his estranged daughter, bringing depth to his character and showcasing the duality of his nature as both a lawman and a father.
Anne (Christina Milian)
Anne is one of the spirited cheerleaders who becomes central to the unfolding drama. Through her interactions with Sharp, she exhibits resilience and growth, representing the youthful perspective on courage and friendship in the face of danger.
Barb (Kelli Garner)
Barb is a cheerleader who develops a crush on Sharp, injecting a blend of humor and romance into the narrative. Her character navigates the challenges of adolescence while also embodying loyalty and support for her peers and Sharp.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Man of the House (2005), 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 film seems set within a contemporary time frame, reflecting current societal issues such as crime and community safety. The modern setting allows for elements like cell phones and organized crime to play a critical role in the plot.
Location
Texas, University of Texas at Austin
The movie primarily takes place in Texas, known for its vast landscapes and rich cultural history. The University of Texas at Austin is a prominent educational institution recognized for its spirited student life, including its famous cheerleading squad, which plays a crucial role in the story.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Man of the House (2005). 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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Justice
Justice is a central theme, as Texas Ranger Roland Sharp takes on the responsibility of protecting the cheerleaders while seeking to bring a crime boss to justice. The film explores the complexities of law enforcement and the sacrifices made in the name of justice, often blurring the lines of right and wrong.
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Family
Family ties play a significant role in the film, showcasing Sharp's struggle to reconnect with his daughter while stepping into a protective role for the cheerleaders. The notion of family extends beyond blood relations, highlighting bonds formed through shared experiences and mutual support.
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Camaraderie
The theme of camaraderie is highlighted as Sharp builds relationships with the cheerleaders and learns to work with them. Their interactions infuse humor and warmth into the narrative, illustrating the importance of teamwork and friendship in overcoming adversity.
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