The Whole Ten Yards

The Whole Ten Yards 2004

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Whole Ten Yards (2004). 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.


As the retired hitman Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski (Bruce Willis) attempts to manage his unremarkable life alongside his wife Jill (Amanda Peet), a formidable assassin struggling to carry out a flawless kill, his former neighbor Nicholas “Oz” Ozeransky (Matthew Perry) continues to find solace in the false sense of security provided by deceitful dental records. Oz has left his tumultuous past behind, embracing a quieter lifestyle as a dentist in California, happily married to Jimmy’s ex-wife Cynthia and eagerly awaiting their first child. However, their idyllic domesticity is thrown into disarray by Oz’s rising paranoia and Cynthia’s secretive communications with Jimmy.

The already fragile equilibrium shatters with the unexpected return of Laszlo Gogolak, Jimmy’s former mob boss and a figure from his shadowy past. With unresolved tensions stemming from the violent death of Laszlo’s son Janni at the hands of Jimmy and Jill, Laszlo’s belief that Jimmy has faked his own death leads him to kidnap Cynthia, coercing Oz into revealing Jimmy’s whereabouts, which prompts a desperate plea for help from Oz.

Initially, Jimmy is reluctant to assist until Laszlo’s thugs attack Oz, compelling him to turn to Jimmy and Jill for aid. This reunion, however, is overshadowed by emotional turmoil as evident when Oz confronts Jimmy about his longstanding ties to past relationships, particularly when he notices Jimmy still wearing a crucifix given by Cynthia. As the three find themselves ensnared in a web of old grievances, Jill’s frustration over the tepid intimacy in her marriage ignites a volatile encounter at a bar where she tries to rekindle a spark with Oz. This encounter is abruptly concluded by Jimmy’s arrival, grappling with his own despair over their inability to have children. The night culminates in a moment of intense passion between Jimmy and Jill, while Oz is left to nurse his emotional wounds alone.

The precarious peace is abruptly disrupted when an unknown gunman opens fire at Oz’s residence, resulting in the tragic loss of Strabovitz, Laszlo’s surviving son. Following this, Jill’s mounting frustration with Jimmy leads her to leave in anger, and the two men spiral into a heated argument fraught with resentment.

In a dramatic twist, Jimmy visits Oz at his dental clinic and is unexpectedly confronted by Julie, Oz’s new receptionist and sister of Frankie Figgs—a victim of Jimmy’s past actions, prompting her thirst for revenge. As the situation escalates perilously, both Jimmy and Oz find themselves knocked out and trapped within Laszlo’s treacherous plan. When Oz regains consciousness, he is alarmed to discover that both Jimmy and Cynthia have strategically orchestrated their own involvement to uncover Laszlo’s long-hidden treasure: the fragments of the first dollar he ever stole.

Even amidst their revelation, Laszlo remains unfazed, ready to enact his vengeance. But with dramatic timing, Jill bursts onto the scene, bringing with her the shocking sight of Strabo’s lifeless body, meticulously bound and positioned in her car with explosives. She coldly threatens to detonate it unless Laszlo releases both Oz and Cynthia.

In a shocking revelation, Jill requests entry into Laszlo’s organization, only to be commanded to eliminate Jimmy. Anticipating this treacherous turn, Jimmy offers a chilling prophecy: > “You’ll never make it as a hitter.” Unfazed, Jill follows through with the order, shooting Jimmy in the chest, only for her deception to unravel as Strabo’s body detonates, engulfing the area in flames.

As events spiral further, discovery reveals Jules as the true assassin behind Strabo’s demise, leading Laszlo to act quickly against her. Caught in the maelstrom of loyalty and retribution, Jimmy grapples with his conflicting emotions. With a supportive nudge from Cynthia, Jill manages to shoot Laszlo in the foot, critically wounding him and allowing them a narrow escape.

In their frantic getaway, it’s unveiled that the combined halves of the original dollar could lead to an astonishing $280 million bank account, revealing the weight of their choices and fateful entanglements. To further heighten the stakes, Jill announces an unexpected twist—she is pregnant. As they evade the law, Laszlo finds himself apprehended, leaving our quartet to confront the implications of their actions and the unpredictable future that looms ahead.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Whole Ten Yards (2004) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Jimmy's Quiet Life

Retired hitman Jimmy 'The Tulip' Tudeski is trying to live a peaceful life with his wife Jill. They are adjusting to their unremarkable lifestyle while contending with the shadows of Jimmy's past.

California

Oz's New Beginning

Nicholas 'Oz' Ozeransky has left his tumultuous life behind and is now a dentist in California. He is happily married to Jimmy's ex-wife, Cynthia, and they eagerly await their first child.

California

Laszlo's Return

The tranquility of their lives is shattered with the return of Laszlo Gogolak, Jimmy’s former mob boss. Believing that Jimmy faked his own death, he kidnaps Cynthia to force Oz to reveal Jimmy's whereabouts.

Oz's Desperation

As pressures mount, Oz pleads for Jimmy's help due to the threat posed by Laszlo's thugs. This marks the beginning of complications as Jimmy grapples with his reluctance to re-enter the violent world he left behind.

Confrontation and Tension

A confrontation arises between Oz and Jimmy over the past, highlighting old resentments. Oz is troubled by Jimmy's continued connection to his past, particularly symbolized by the crucifix still worn by Jimmy.

Jill's Frustration

Amid their struggles, Jill's frustration escalates, leading her to seek intimacy with Oz during a night out. This rekindling of past emotions is interrupted by Jimmy’s arrival, which only heightens the tension between the three.

Bar

Gunfire at Oz's Home

Chaos erupts when a gunman opens fire at Oz's house, resulting in the tragic death of Strabovitz, Laszlo’s surviving son. The incident heightens the precarious situation as tensions rise among the characters.

Oz's Residence

Climactic Dental Clinic Confrontation

Jimmy's visit to Oz's dental clinic turns dangerous when Julie, Oz's receptionist and sister of a past victim, confronts him. This encounter leads them both into Laszlo's deadly scheme, escalating the stakes.

Oz's Dental Clinic

Cynthia's Involvement

As tension mounts, Oz and Cynthia cunningly manipulate their situation to uncover Laszlo's hidden treasure. Their plan, however, exposes them further to Laszlo's wrath and leads to intensified conflict.

Jill’s Bold Move

In a shocking confrontation, Jill demands entry into Laszlo's organization and is ordered to kill Jimmy. Her betrayal materializes as she shoots him, causing chaos as Strabovitz’s body is detonated nearby.

Discovery of True Assassin

The truth unfolds as Jules is revealed to be the real assassin behind Strabovitz's death. This revelation places everyone in danger as Laszlo seeks revenge against her amidst his own vendettas.

A Pivotal Escape

In a desperate moment, Jill critically wounds Laszlo, allowing the group a narrow escape. This pivotal action showcases her transformation amidst the chaos and her commitment to protect those she cares about.

The Hidden Fortune

As they rush away, the discovery of the combined halves of the first dollar hints at a buried treasure worth $280 million. This revelation underscores the dire consequences of their tangled fates and choices.

Jill’s Unexpected News

In an astonishing twist, Jill announces that she is pregnant. This shocking development complicates their already chaotic lives, leaving them to confront both their past and an unpredictable future.

Laszlo's Downfall

As the law closes in on the group, Laszlo is ultimately apprehended, leaving Jimmy, Jill, Oz, and Cynthia to reflect on their tumultuous journey. They must now face the challenges of their choices and new beginnings.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Whole Ten Yards (2004) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski (Bruce Willis)

Jimmy is a retired hitman struggling to adjust to a mundane life, haunted by his past. His complexities come to the forefront as he grapples with old ties and a tumultuous relationship with his wife. His loyalty is tested as he navigates the chaos created by his former life.

🔫 Hitman ❤️ Emotionally conflicted

Nicholas "Oz" Ozeransky (Matthew Perry)

Oz is a dentist who wishes to leave his chaotic past behind, but is constantly reminded of it as he tries to lead a normal life. His anxiety surrounding his relationships and looming danger from the past reveals a character that struggles with identity and security.

🦷 Dentist 😟 Paranoid

Jill (Amanda Peet)

Jill is a formidable assassin whose desire for a normal life is constantly undermined by her husband's troubled past. Her character exhibits strength and frustration, as she grapples with motherhood and the corrosive effects of violence in her relationships.

💪 Strong 👩‍❤️‍👨 Torn

Laszlo Gogolak (unknown)

Laszlo is portrayed as a threatening figure from Jimmy’s past, embodying danger and unresolved conflicts. His relentless pursuit of vengeance intertwines with the fates of the main characters, marking him as a catalyst for chaos.

👤 Mob boss 🔥 Vengeful

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Whole Ten Yards (2004), 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 takes place in contemporary times, showcasing modern relationships while intertwining themes of crime and deception. It mirrors current societal issues, where the past often collides with the present, leading to unexpected confrontations and revelations.

Location

California

California, known for its picturesque beaches and diverse landscapes, serves as a backdrop for a mix of idyllic domestic life and lurking danger. Its suburban neighborhoods hide the secrets of former criminals and the tension simmering within seemingly ordinary lives.

🏖️ Beach 🏡 Suburban

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Whole Ten Yards (2004). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Betrayal

Betrayal permeates the dynamics among the characters, as past relationships and loyalties are tested under the strain of external threats. The unpredictable responses to betrayal culminate in confrontations that reshape their lives, emphasizing the complexity of trust.

🔫

Violence

The film delves deep into the consequences of violence, reflecting on how past actions resonate in the present. The characters grapple with the repercussions of their violent pasts, making decisions that spiral into chaotic and deadly encounters.

🔍

Revenge

Revenge drives several characters' actions, leading to calculated moves and unexpected betrayal. The quest for revenge intertwines their fates, pulling them into a web of deceit that forces them to confront their own pasts.

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