Genre: Action/Comedy
Director: Jon Favreau
Writers: Chad Taylor & Matt Parker
Based on the television series
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Glen Powell, Dave Bautista, Eiza Gonzalez, Lee Majors, Barry Pepper, Olivia Munn, Rob Corddry, Wesley Snipes, Yayan Ruhian, Gabrielle Union, Evan Alex, Jon Favreau (cameo), Gus Van Sant (cameo)
Plot: Colt Seavers (Dwayne Johnson) is enjoying a day at the beach with his son Jalen (Evan Alex). As they are throwing a football around, Colt gets a phone call from bail bondsman Vaughn (Wesley Snipes), who informs him that a high-priority target has been spotted at the Hollywood Park Casino. Colt asks if it can wait since it's his weekend with Jalen, but Vaughn says it's too big of a payday to pass up lest someone else gets to collect the bounty on him. Colt begrudgingly accepts the task. He drops Jalen off back with his ex-wife Sondra (Gabrielle Union) and loads up his gear into his classic GMC pickup.
When Colt arrives outside of the casino Vaughn sends him a picture of the target and tells him that the guy was last seen at the craps table. Colt grabs a baton and taser out of his truck and heads into the casino. The target spots him coming and tries running and hiding in the numerous rows of slot machines. Once the target thinks he's lost Colt, he stands back out in the open - only to be quickly hit by Colt's taser. Colt drags the target outside, handcuffs him to the roll bars in the back of his pickup and drives him over to Vaughn's office. Outside he is met by Vaughn's assistant Rosa (Eiza Gonzalez), who gives Colt a kiss on the cheek before bringing the target inside to Vaughn.
Colt receives word from his Hollywood agent that a high-profile director is looking to hire him for as a stuntman for his next movie and a meeting has been set up. At the meeting, Colt enters to meet Jon Favreau. Favreau explains that he is preparing to shoot a big-budget pirate adventure film and he would like Colt to be the stuntman for his lead star - German-American action idol Marc Ostermayer. When Favreau explains that it will shoot on location, Colt is on the fence as that will mean he will have to leave his family (plus put the bounty work on pause). But then the director pulls up a picture of Tahiti, where they'll be filming, and the immediate beauty causes Colt's eyebrow to raise. He smiles and shakes the director's hand.
This match cuts directly to another handshake. This time it is Lyle (Glen Powell), who is meeting with director Gus Van Sant for an upcoming role. Lyle is the one pitching himself for the part as he feels like he has been type-cast as of late and so he wants to branch out. The director's newest film, about a group of small-town oil workers who go on strike, sounded like the perfect opportunity. Van Sant says that he sees a match for the main character and Lyle's acting style. Lyle smiles and says that it sounds like they have a deal. Van Sant then says that there is one requirement. He wants his actors to be as authentic as possible so he will need Lyle to spend two weeks in Winnipeg and experience the profession first-hand. It is clear that Lyle is not thrilled by this but he sees the Palme d'Or sitting in the director's office and wonders if something similar is in his future. He smiles and says "Sure, why not?"
Colt arrives in Tahiti where he quickly realizes the film he has signed on for is the biggest he's ever worked on as the production has practically taken over the entire island. When the film's star, Marc Ostermayer (Dave Bautista) sees him, he runs up to him and gives him a bear hug. Colt is taken aback by Marc's friendliness as he's used to seeing the star play gruff cops and war heroes on the big screen. Marc tells Colt that he always likes to be friends with his stunt doubles and offers him a fresh green smoothie. Colt takes one, but almost gags at the taste. Marc chugs one with a smile on his face, wiping away the green from his lips after. Marc shows Colt around the set. Marc points off toward the coast to a luxurious yacht. He says that's where he'll staying for the shoot but that Colt more than welcome to come hang out and drink green smoothies. Favreau calls over to Marc to get his opinion on some wardrobe choices. He pats Colt on the back before walking off.
Colt makes his way to where the stunt department is stationed and is introduced to Jody Banks (Olivia Munn), who be the stunt double for the film's leading lady. She starts talking about how much of a fun of his work she is. Colt becomes obviously flattered when his phone starts ringing. He answers it when he sees Sondra's name on the caller ID. Sondra tells him that Vaughn wants to talk to him, but knew he might not pick up a call from him. Vaughn grabs Sondra's phone out of her hand and tells Colt that his sources tell him there is an international fugitive named Dane Rutter who is reportedly hiding out on the island with a big bounty attached to him. Colt tries to make it clear that he's only in Tahiti to work on a movie, not hunt down small time fugitives. Vaughn insists Rutter isn't small-time, but rather a well-known gun runner. Colt tries to tell Vaughn off once again, but Vaughn is able to convince Colt to at least check it out. Vaughn promises to send out someone else to collect Rutter if Colt is able to locate him.
In Winnipeg, Lyle is staring at the ceiling in his hotel bed as his alarm goes off. He slams his hand on the clock, only to realize he's further irritated the blisters covering his fingers. He is in his second week working the oil fields and completely miserable. It doesn't help that his boss often belittles him for being in over his head and having a bad attitude. While he makes it look like he is working, he begins to complain to his co-workers about the conditions they are working in. He begins to list the amenities that are afforded to him in his career and disparity between the two becomes clear. A montage begins of Lyle spending the next few days stoking the fires with his co-workers and inspiring them to go on strike against the oil company. This turns Lyle into public enemy no. 1 from his boss and is forced out of town.
Back in Tahiti, Colt is using his time in between scenes to look up information on Dane Rutter. He is then due up to perform a big stun that involves Jody leaping from a large ship into Colt's arms in a smaller boat. After multiple mistakes by Jody, the stunt must be attempted quite a few times. Later that night, Marc hosts a small party for the cast and crew on his yacht. Jody compliments Colt on his performance today while Colt says that he thinks it could've went better. She says she thinks they work good as a team and ends with a wink as goes to get a drink. Marc approaches and nudges Colt as he asks about a potential romantic connection between the stunt performers. Colt adamantly refuses and says that he's tied down, pointing to his ring finger before realizing how there is no ring there anymore. Their conversation is interrupted by a drunk man in suit who compliments Marc on the yacht. Marc introduces Colt to Todd Paul (Rob Corddry), a studio executive who is visiting the set. Todd is taken aback by Colt's physique and asks why he's doing stunts instead starring in movies. Colt is self-deprecating when he admits that his acting skills aren't exactly good, prompting Todd to say that neither was Jean-Claude Van Damme's but that didn't stop him. He shakes Colt's hand and says it was nice to meet him. Marc's eyes light up when he realizes that he has something to show Colt.
Marc takes Colt to his bedroom on the yacht and pulls a lever that opens up a secret room. Colt steps into the secret room to find that it is filled with all sorts of weapons and high-tech gadgets. Colt is impressed but asks why Marc is showing him this. Marc admits that he may have overseen Colt's plans to hunt down Rutter. Colt begins to try to deny and explain but Marc tells him that he doesn't care and that he wants to help. He says that he has amassed this collection over the years because you never just never know. He then tells Colt that he can use any of these that he wants to help take down the fugitive. Colt asks if he is sure and Marc says "only because I like you". Colt shrugs his shoulders and says he's happy to oblige.
Colt borrows a vehicle - a large white van - from the production on an off-day and drives to a small port where Rutter supposedly runs his operation. When Colt arrives at the port, he can see a seaplane being loaded up in the distance. Unable to see anything more specific, Colt sneaks closer. Dane Rutter (Barry Pepper) then appears and begins barking orders to the men loading up the boat. He demands one of them open a case so that he may inspect the goods before they leave for quality control. Dutifully, one of the men opens a case and Rutter pulls out a submachine gun. He carefully inspects it. Colt turns to leave, having enough information to contact Vaughn. Colt accidentally trips and knocks over a wooden crate as he leaves, alerting Rutter and his men to his presence. Rutter orders his men to open fire on him with the submachine guns. Colt runs away, back toward the van, narrowly avoiding an array of gunfire at every turn. He get into the van drives as fast as it will go - a whopping 50 MPH - away from the port. He gets away, but the van suffers from bullet holes. Rutter's men ask if they should chase after the van. Rutter thinks about it, but decides against it, instead choosing to hurry up and get the latest shipment moved. Besides, he says, someone as big as the guy spying on them shouldn't be too hard to find on a small island like Tahiti. Back at his hotel, Colt calls Vaughn and tells him that he found Rutter. Vaughn says that's good news and he'll send someone on the next flight to help him detain the fugitive.
After begin fired by Gus Van Sant, Lyle sits at the Winnipeg airport waiting for his flight home. Instead of heading back to California Lyle asks the ticket clerk to change his flight destination. When asked where he's wanting to fly, Lyle says Tahiti. As he is going through security, he is on the phone with Sondra. He apologizes for not telling her about his change of plans ahead of time. Airport security tells him to get off of his phone, but Lyle is still talking away oblivious to their requests. More security guards arrive, which finally gets his attention. He promises to bring Sondra home some souvenirs from Tahiti before hanging up. He then turns to the group of security guards that have been assembled and asks it they are happy now.
In the morning, Rosa arrives at Colt's hotel room. He's surprised to see her. She gives him a kiss on the cheek and tells him that she made Vaughn send her out for assistance on the Rutter job. He says it's going to be dangerous. Rosa insists she can handle herself. She then adds that she missed him. Colt tells Rosa he has to be on set today, but that they can stake out Rutter that night after they're done shooting.
Lyle tries to walk on to the film set, but security won't let him in. He pulls up his Wikipedia page to show them that he's a movie star, but they say he doesn't have the correct credentials so they cannot let him in. Annoyed, Lyle finally mentions that Glen Harrison, world-famous movie producer, is his grandfather. The security guard continues reading the Wikipedia page to confirm and finally lets Lyle in with a visitor's badge. Lyle finds his grandfather, Glen Harrison (Lee Majors), discussing an upcoming action scene with Marc and Jon Favreau. Glen greets his grandson warmly with a big hug and pinch on the cheek. Lyle smiles awkwardly and reminds Glen that he's in his 30s now, he doesn't need a pinch on the cheek. Favreau and Marc call Colt over to discuss a possible stunt in the scene. Colt is confused to see Lyle on the set. Glen asks how Colt and Lyle know each other. Colt tells Glen that Lyle is married to his ex-wife and stepfather to his son. Glen pinches Colt on the cheek and asks why he didn't mention he was family.
The next morning is a beautiful day in Tahiti and the film begins shooting the big central action set-piece on their specially-constructed pirate ship. With Rosa in town, Colt is given the day off from shooting. Favreau begins to get frustrated at Marc for flubbing his lines as pandemonium begins to spread amongst the ship as a group of real-life pirates overtake the ship’s crew. They are led by Abdi (Yayan Ruhian) who informs them they are holding the ship hostage. On land, Todd Paul is having lunch with fellow producer Glen when he hears the news. He tells Glen that he’ll need to be excused. After overhearing Todd’s conversation, Glen contacts his grandson and the word the game of telephone reaches Colt and Rosa. Colt, Rosa, and Lyle quickly decide that they need to pool together their skills and rescue the crew.
On the ship, Marc and Jody make small talk as everyone waits for Todd to arrive with the random payment. Marc takes a look at the different pirates and determines that he can take them on easily. Jody warns him against playing macho hero and says that could make matters worse. In the distance, Colt, Rosa, and Lyle give the abducted ship chase on Glen’s yacht. From ashore, Todd collects the money he is going to pay the pirates but is dumbfounded when he sees the yacht chasing the ship.
Marc, upon seeing Colt and crew coming to help, decides to spring into action. When the pirate guarding his room passes by, he kicks him behind his knees and then wraps his tied-up wrists in the pirate’s mouth. The pirate uses his knife to cut the tape so that he can breathe but this also frees up Marc to fully fight. He picks up the knife and cuts Jody’s tape, allowing her to help. He says she can keep the knife and she asks what he will use to defend himself. He gets a big grin on his face and picks up his prop pirate swords that he has been using for the film. Marc begins fighting the pirates with his prop swords and Jody helps from one step behind. Meanwhile, Abdi and the other pirates try to fend off the yacht as the two ships race through the Tahitian sea. They were clearly not expecting either distraction and so the ship is in pandemonium. Eventually, the yacht is able to force the ship towards the shore and both crash into a stretch of rocks. The bounty hunters join the ship and help subdue the pirates. Marc gives Colt a high five and says they work well as a team. From behind Colt, Lyle looks jealously at his bond with Marc.
Just everyone thinks the coast is clear, Rutter flies by on a seaplane and opens fire on the crash site. Colt, Rosa and Jody get Jon Favreau and the film crew to take cover behind the wrecked pirate ship. Marc and Lyle grab a couple of guns from the subdued pirates and open fire on Rutter's plane using their movie gun training. One of the bullets hits the plane's engine, causing the plane to crash land not far from the shore. As the plane begins to sink, Rosa comments that the sizable is sinking with it. Colt and Lyle give each other a look before they both dive into the water and swim toward the plane. When they reach the sinking plane, they find Rutter injured but still alive. They drag him back to the shore. When he comes to, Rutter tells them that he and the pirates were hired by Todd Paul to ruin the film production. Rosa handcuffs Rutter.
Everybody heads back to the film's set where Colt and Lyle confront Todd while he's in a meeting with Glen. Lyle tells his grandfather that Todd was being the ship hijacking. Todd tries to laugh off the claims, but then Rosa enters the room with the handcuffed Rutter. Todd tries to explain himself, insisting that because of cost overages on the film, hijacking the ship and kidnapping the crew in order to collect the insurance on the film was the smart financial decision to make. Glen punches Todd, knocking him out. Glen then says that business-people make the worst filmmakers. He then offers to personally pay Colt and his crew to take Todd back to the U.S. along with their prisoner to face justice for his actions.
Vaughn arrives in Tahiti to take Rutter and Todd back to America. Once the prisoners are loaded, he asks Rosa if she's coming back with him. She says she would like to stay in Tahiti a little longer with Colt. Vaughn says that is fair enough. Lyle volunteers to come back with him and learn more about bounty hunting from him. Before boarding the plane, Lyle loudly and obliviously wishes Colt luck on proposing to Rosa. She turns to Colt, who is obviously very annoyed with Lyle and asks what he meant. Colt then pulls an engagement ring out of his pocket. Rosa says yes and he puts the ring on her finger. She gives him a big kiss as the plane takes off overhead.
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