Quick Change 1990
Directed by
Howard Franklin
Plot Summary
As the charismatic Grimm, adorned in a striking crimson clown costume, masterminded a daring bank heist in the heart of Manhattan, his partners in crime—the cryptic Phyllis and loyal friend Loomis—played crucial roles in this audacious plan. Armed with fake dynamite strapped to his waist, the trio executed their scheme with remarkable precision, successfully fleeing with a staggering $1 million.
However, their escape from the law turned out to be anything but straightforward. The journey to the airport faced relentless hurdles, which seemed almost predestined by fate. Initially, the lack of directional signs on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway set them adrift in an uncharted Brooklyn area. Their situation quickly deteriorated as they were robbed of all their possessions—except for the carefully hidden cash—by a merciless thief.
Finding temporary solace in Phyllis’s apartment allowed the group to change into more appropriate clothes, but the relief was fleeting. An unsettling encounter with a paranoid schizophrenic tenant almost brought their escape to a catastrophic end, further complicated by a raging fire across the street that summoned the fire department and inadvertently forced their vehicle away from a hydrant. The chaotic chain of events escalated when their car rolled down an embankment, complicating their already precarious situation.
Desperate to steer their journey back on track, a series of misfortunes ensued. An English-challenged cab driver took them on an unintended adventure through the city until Loomis’s emotional breakdown prompted the driver to flee, mistakenly believing he had harmed him in the process. The troubles only continued with an uptight bus driver and a confrontation with ruthless mobsters, adding layers to their challenges.
Pursuing them relentlessly was Rotzinger, the steadfast chief of the New York City Police Department. His resolve to capture the trio was only matched by his growing consternation at every misstep they made. A fateful encounter on an airliner at the airport signified a pivotal moment in their escape; however, it wasn’t until the plane had taken off that Rotzinger discovered the true identities of his elusive targets, leaving him with no option but to rise to the challenge.
Timeline
The Heist Begins
Grimm, dressed in a striking crimson clown costume, leads a daring bank heist in Manhattan. Alongside him are his enigmatic partner Phyllis and loyal friend Loomis, executing their plan with remarkable precision.
Successful Escape
The trio successfully flees the scene with $1 million in stolen cash. However, their initial triumph quickly gives way to a series of unexpected challenges as they attempt to navigate their way to the airport.
Lost on the Expressway
While trying to reach the airport, the group becomes lost due to a lack of directional signs on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. This unexpected detour leaves them stranded in an unfamiliar part of Brooklyn, compounding their troubles.
Robbed in Brooklyn
Their dire situation worsens when a merciless thief robs them of all their possessions. Fortunately, they manage to hide the huge sum of cash, allowing them to still have a means of escape.
Temporary Refuge
The group seeks refuge in Phyllis's apartment, allowing them to change into more appropriate clothes. This brief moment of relief is disrupted by a paranoid schizophrenic tenant, escalating their predicament.
Encounter with Chaos
An unsettling encounter with the tenant nearly leads to disaster, exacerbated by a raging fire across the street. The fire department's arrival forces the group to leave their vehicle, distancing them from their escape route.
Automobile Mishap
While navigating away from the chaos, their car rolls down an embankment, further complicating their already precarious situation. This mishap adds to the series of unfortunate events they must overcome.
Cab Driver's Confusion
Desperate for direction, they catch a cab driven by someone who struggles with English. The miscommunication leads them on an unexpected tour of the city until Loomis's breakdown causes the driver to panic and flee.
Bus Driver Trouble
As their journey continues, they encounter an uptight bus driver who adds to their troubles. This encounter further illustrates how their misadventures seem to follow them wherever they go.
Confrontation with Mobsters
The trio finds themselves face-to-face with ruthless mobsters, complicating their precarious situation even further. Tensions rise as they try to navigate this dangerous encounter while escaping the law.
Relentless Pursuit
Rotzinger, the determined chief of the New York City Police Department, relentlessly pursues the trio. His frustrations grow with each misstep the group takes, highlighting their cat-and-mouse game.
A Fateful Airliner Encounter
Upon reaching the airport, they board an airliner, which marks a critical point in their escape. It is during the flight that Rotzinger uncovers the identities of his elusive targets, realizing the weight of the situation.
Identities Revealed
Once the plane takes off, Rotzinger confronts the reality of having let his targets slip through his fingers. This moment of realization emphasizes the stakes involved and sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
Characters
Grimm (Geena Davis)
Grimm is a charismatic and clever character who takes charge of the bank heist with her striking clown persona. Her resourcefulness and creativity shine as she navigates through unexpected pitfalls during their escape. Despite the chaos, her leadership keeps her team focused.
Loomis (Bill Murray)
Loomis is a loyal friend known for his humor and emotional depth. His unintentional breakdown signifies the strain of their chaotic journey, revealing his vulnerability amidst the madness. Despite his comedic persona, he proves to be a crucial component of the trio’s dynamics.
Phyllis (Geena Davis)
Phyllis, the cryptic partner, adds an element of unpredictability to the group. Her character blends practicality with emotional insight, especially when providing refuge after their heist. She exemplifies strength and adaptability in stressful situations.
Rotzinger (Randy Quaid)
Rotzinger is the dedicated chief of the New York City Police Department, showcasing unwavering determination to capture the trio. His frustration with the chaotic misadventures displays both his tenacity and vulnerability. He represents the relentless pursuit of justice.
Setting
Time period
The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the urban environment and societal dynamics of the late 20th century. This period is characterized by evolving crime stories in cinema, often blending comedy with serious themes about desperation and survival.
Location
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
The movie unfolds in the bustling urban landscape of Manhattan, known for its iconic skyline and vibrant life. A significant portion of the action takes place on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, a major thoroughfare that sees heavy traffic and often confuses drivers. Brooklyn, with its eclectic neighborhoods, serves as a backdrop for unexpected twists in the trio's flight from the law.
Themes
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Crime
Crime is central to the narrative as the protagonists execute a daring bank heist and navigate the ensuing chaos. The film cleverly juxtaposes the excitement of the heist with the unexpected challenges during their escape. It illustrates how ambition can lead to unforeseen consequences.
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Chaos
The theme of chaos permeates throughout the film, highlighted by a series of unfortunate events that disrupt the characters' plans. From a lack of directional signs to encounters with various eccentric characters, the chaos challenges their wit and resilience. This theme emphasizes how unpredictability can shape one's fate.
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Law Enforcement
The presence of law enforcement serves as a constant threat to the main characters, represented by the determined officer Rotzinger. His relentless pursuit of the trio symbolizes the ever-watchful eye of authority. This theme explores the tension between criminality and the forces that seek to maintain order.
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