Hot Shots! (1991)
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The story
Twenty years in the past, a pilot named Leland "Buzz" Harley ejects from his plane, leading his co-pilot to be mistaken for a deer and shot by a hunter. In the present, Topper Harley is asked to return to active duty for a top-secret mission called Operation Sleepy Weasel, commanded by the senile Admiral Benson. Topper suffers from intense psychological problems regarding his father. While his therapist Ramada tries to discourage him from flying, Topper enters a feud with Kent Gregory, who blames Topper's father for his own father's death. Meanwhile, a conspiracy unfolds involving an airplane tycoon seeking to replace Navy planes.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The film begins 20 years in the past at Flemner Air Base, where pilot Leland "Buzz" Harley ejects from his plane, causing his co-pilot Dominic "Mailman" Farnham to crash; Mailman is then shot by a hunter who mistakes him for a deer. In the present, Topper Harley is recruited by Lt. Commander Block to join Operation Sleepy Weasel, a top-secret mission led by the senile Admiral Benson. Topper struggles with psychological issues related to his father and a feud with Kent Gregory, who blames Buzz for his father's death. Block is secretly working with airplane tycoon Mr. Wilson to sabotage the mission so the Navy will purchase Wilson's "Super Fighter" planes. During training, an accident kills Pete "Dead Meat" Thompson and demotes Jim "Wash Out" Pfaffenbach. During the actual mission to attack an Iraqi nuclear plant, Wilson sabotages the planes. Topper suffers a panic attack when Buzz is mentioned, but Block reveals the truth about Buzz's heroic attempt to save Mailman. Restored to confidence, Topper single-handedly defeats Iraqi fighters, bombs the plant, and hits Saddam Hussein. Wilson's plan is exposed, and Gregory eventually gives his blessing for Topper and Ramada to be together.
- First release year
- 1991
- Runtime (minutes)
- 84
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Jim Abrahams
- Writers
- Jim Abrahams · writer; Pat Proft · writer
- Cast and characters
- Charlie Sheen · Lieutenant Sean "Topper" Harley; Cary Elwes · Lieutenant Kent "Pirate" Gregory; Valeria Golino · Ramada Thompson; Lloyd Bridges · Rear Admiral Thomas "Tug" Benson; Kevin Dunn · Lieutenant Commander James "Eyewitness" Block; Jon Cryer · Lieutenant Jim "Wash Out" Pfaffenbach; William O'Leary · Lieutenant Junior Grade Pete "Dead Meat" Thompson; Kristy Swanson · Lieutenant Junior Grade Janet "Bio" Kowalski
- Genres
- parody; comedy
- Themes
- Conspiracy; Overcoming Trauma; Military Parody
- Tone and mood
- Daffy; Comedic; Parodic
- Premise and plot tags
- Military Comedy; Parody; Action Comedy
- Franchise connections
- Hot Shots!
- Reception
- The film was a box office success, debuting at number one in the United States. It received a positive critical reception, praised for its comedic timing and gags, and held an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was also chosen for the 1991 Royal Film Performance.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 83% · review count: 29; CinemaScore · score: B · scale: A+ to F
- Production trivia
- The film is primarily a spoof of Top Gun.; It features a sequel titled Hot Shots! Part Deux released in 1993.; The film features a cameo by Charles Barkley as himself.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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