Once Upon a Time in Venice 2017
Directed by
Mark Cullen
Made by
RLJ Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Once Upon a Time in Venice (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.
In the sun-drenched streets of Venice, Los Angeles, private investigator Steve Ford, portrayed by Jason Momoa, becomes ensnared in a web of deception when he engages his reliable assistant, John Goodman, to track down Nola, an alluring young woman. The quest for Nola leads Ford into a labyrinth of temptation, where he finds himself irresistibly drawn to her, only to come face-to-face with her wrathful brothers, who initially hired him for the job.
Desperate for safety, Ford seeks solace at his friend Tino’s pizzeria, where he commits to helping Tino recover his stolen car from the clutches of the notorious gang leader, Spyder. Amidst this chaotic pursuit, Ford strives to navigate the complexities of his personal life, spending time with his loyal dog, his sister-in-law Katey, and her spirited daughter, while also being there for his best friend, Dave Phillips, who faces challenges in his own fractured marriage.
Adding to his overwhelming responsibilities, Ford takes on a new case from the shrewd real estate mogul, Lew the Jew, who enlists his help in tracking down a vandal wreaking havoc with provocative graffiti on his properties, promising the return of Ford’s childhood home in exchange.
The plot thickens when Spyder’s clients carry out a bold break-in at Katey’s house, stealing Ford’s cherished dog. In a desperate bid to recover his pet, Ford strikes a deal with Spyder, agreeing to compensate for damages caused by his past action, but in a startling twist, when Thomas Middleditch (John) uncovers Nola while observing the secretive graffiti artist, feelings of romance resurface.
As Ford endeavors to unweave this intricate network of bonds and duties, he finds himself in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with Spyder, who pressures him to retrieve drugs stolen from him by Lupe, a shadowy figure connected to the criminal underworld. With John’s assistance, Ford identifies the graffiti artist’s true allegiances, revealing that they are linked to Lew’s resentful competitors.
Rallying his friend Phillips, Ford gears up to confront their foes, striving to close Lew’s case for good. As they dig deeper, they learn that Lupe had secretly sold Spyder’s cocaine to Prince, the merciless leader of a rival gang. Determined to reclaim what was lost, Ford and Phillips stealthily enter Prince’s nightclub, ready to retrieve the stolen goods.
Tensions reach a fever pitch as Ford and his allies find themselves in a high-stakes face-off against Spyder at his well-guarded hideout. In a surprising resolution, Spyder honors his word and parts with Ford amicably, concluding their transaction on a positive note. As a sign of familial love, Ford gifts the family home to his sibling and young relative, an act reflecting the deep bonds they share.
However, this benevolent gesture ignites unforeseen consequences, placing Ford’s life at risk. Unbeknownst to him, Prince—a figure driven by a longstanding grudge—seizes the moment to take revenge by abducting John. In the ensuing chaos, as truths begin to surface, John finds himself ensnared and helpless, caught in a sinister plot. As news of Ford’s location spreads, Prince and his gang embark on a mission to fulfill their deadly intentions, leaving John tied and at the mercy of fate.
Timeline
Track the key events of Once Upon a Time in Venice (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Steve Ford's Investigation Begins
Private investigator Steve Ford is drawn into a complex web of deception when he takes on a case to track down Nola, a captivating woman. His assistant, John Goodman, assists him as they navigate this intrigue in the vibrant streets of Venice, Los Angeles.
Encounter with Nola's Brothers
As Ford becomes increasingly entranced by Nola, he unexpectedly faces her vengeful brothers, who had initially hired him to find her. This confrontation forces Ford to reassess his involvement in the case and the risks that come with it.
Seeking Refuge at Tino's Pizzeria
Desperate for safety, Ford visits his friend Tino's pizzeria to regroup. While there, he vows to help Tino recover his stolen car from the notorious gang leader, Spyder, further complicating his already tangled web of responsibilities.
A New Case from Lew the Jew
Ford's complications deepen when he takes on a new assignment from the cunning real estate mogul, Lew the Jew. Lew offers Ford his childhood home in exchange for tracking down a vandal who is desecrating his properties with scandalous graffiti.
Break-in at Katey's House
In a shocking turn of events, Spyder's clients break into Katey’s house and steal Ford’s beloved dog. This betrayal propels Ford to take drastic action, leading him into a deal with Spyder to rectify the situation.
Spyder's Deal
In a desperate attempt to retrieve his dog, Ford makes a deal with Spyder, agreeing to repay damages caused earlier. This negotiation pulls him further into Spyder's criminal dealings, forcing him to confront his own moral compass.
John's Discovery of Nola
While observing the secretive graffiti artist linked to Lew's vandalism, John uncovers Nola's identity. This revelation reignites Ford's feelings for Nola, making his quest even more personal and complicated.
The Cat-and-Mouse Game
Ford realizes he is caught in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase involving Spyder and Lupe, a shadowy figure entwined in the local crime network. With John’s help, he begins to unravel the connections between the players involved.
Confrontation with Prince
As tensions mount, Ford and his ally Phillips confront Prince, a ruthless gang leader, who has been stirring chaos within the criminal underbelly. With determination, they devise a plan to infiltrate Prince's nightclub to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
The Showdown with Spyder
In a climactic face-off against Spyder at his secured hideout, Ford and his allies seek resolution over their tangled affairs. Surprisingly, Spyder honors their agreement, releasing Ford amicably, leaving him with a renewed sense of purpose.
Gift of the Family Home
As a gesture of familial love, Ford decides to gift his childhood home to his sibling and niece. This act symbolizes the deep bonds he cherishes, but it also sets off a chain of unforeseen consequences for everyone involved.
Abduction of John
In a twist of fate, Ford's kindness inadvertently places his friend John in grave danger. Prince, harbored by a longstanding grudge against Ford, seizes the opportunity to abduct John, spiraling the situation into chaos.
The Sinister Plot Unfolds
As tensions rise and chaos unfolds, John becomes ensnared in a sinister plot orchestrated by Prince and his gang. Ford's urgency escalates as he races against time to rescue his friend from this perilous predicament.
Ford's Race Against Time
With John's life at stake, Ford must strategically navigate through the web of deception and danger that surrounds him. As news of Ford's location spreads, he must prepare for an intense confrontation with Prince’s gang to save his friend.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Once Upon a Time in Venice (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Steve Ford (Jason Momoa)
Steve Ford is a private investigator caught in a web of deception as he navigates personal and professional challenges. Driven by loyalty to his friends and beloved dog, he often finds himself in precarious situations with the criminal elements of Venice. His quest for the truth and family bonds anchor his character amid chaos.
John (Thomas Middleditch)
John is Steve's reliable assistant, providing comedic relief while aiding in the intense investigation. He showcases bravery and cleverness, playing a key role in uncovering the tangled ties between various characters. His loyalty to Ford reflects the theme of friendship amidst turmoil.
Tino (John Goodman)
Tino is a supportive friend who adds depth to Ford's personal interactions. He represents stability and camaraderie as he deals with his own challenges. His pizzeria serves as a refuge for Ford, highlighting the importance of friendship in times of crisis.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Once Upon a Time in Venice (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 film appears to be set in contemporary times, reflecting modern urban challenges and lifestyles. The intertwining personal conflicts and crime-driven plots resonate with current societal themes, anchoring the story in a realistic framework.
Location
Venice, Los Angeles
Venice, part of Los Angeles, is known for its vibrant boardwalk, picturesque canals, and eclectic atmosphere. This area is famous for its artsy vibe and has been a popular location for movies and television. The sun-soaked streets provide a lively backdrop, adding to the tension of the film's narrative.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Once Upon a Time in Venice (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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Deception
Deception plays a crucial role in the narrative, as characters navigate complex relationships built on lies and hidden agendas. This theme is exemplified through the protagonist's quest to uncover the truth about Nola and the intertwining motives of various characters. The film explores how deception can lead to chaotic consequences.
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Loyalty
Loyalty is a prominent theme, highlighted through Ford's commitment to his dog and friendships. His bond with his loyal dog and his efforts to assist friends demonstrate the importance of loyalty amidst challenging situations. This theme resonates deeply, showcasing personal connections against the backdrop of crime and intrigue.
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Conflict
Conflict arises from multiple sources, including personal dilemmas and external threats posed by the criminal underworld. The tension escalates as Ford confronts adversaries like Spyder and Prince, leading to high-stakes situations. The film deftly explores how personal and professional conflicts intertwine, driving the plot forward.
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