City Slickers

City Slickers

Year: 1991

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Ron Underwood

Budget: $27M

Comedy

Seeking respite from stressful city careers, three friends decide on a cattle drive vacation to the American West. The trip proves to be more challenging than they anticipated, filled with comical situations and unexpected lessons. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters and confront their own personal struggles while experiencing the beauty of the vast landscapes.

City Slickers (1991) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at City Slickers (1991) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bustling backdrop of 1980s corporate life, three long‑time friends confront the restless ache of turning forty. Mitch Robbins, a radio DJ whose career feels as stale as his birthday celebrations, grapples with the quiet disappointment of a life that’s settled into routine. By his side, Phil Berquist carries the weight of a marriage that has grown tense, while Ed Furillo channels his boundless, sometimes reckless, optimism into grand schemes that promise escape from the ordinary. Their yearning for something larger than the daily grind pushes them toward an unexpected adventure: a two‑week cattle drive across the rugged American West.

The film paints the open frontier with a warm, comedic brush, juxtaposing the expansive, sun‑splashed landscapes against the cramped, fluorescent glow of city offices. As the trio trades their suits for boots and their traffic reports for the low‑rung hum of a herd, they discover a world where the rules are written in dust and camaraderie is measured by how well you can hold a rope. The journey promises both laughter and reflection, inviting the characters—and the audience—to ponder what it truly means to feel alive after the milestones have passed.

Amid the rolling plains and the occasional tumble of mishaps, Mitch’s introspection is mirrored by the easy‑going banter of his companions. Phil’s steady, if slightly weary, demeanor balances Ed’s spirited enthusiasm, creating a dynamic that is as much about supporting each other as it is about seeking personal redemption. Together, they confront the gentle absurdities of life on the trail, finding that the challenges of the wild may offer the clarity and humor missing from their city‑bound existences. The tone remains light‑hearted yet sincere, promising a heartfelt exploration of friendship, self‑discovery, and the surprising joy that can arise when ordinary people step outside their comfort zones.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:36

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Funny journeys of self-discovery like City Slickers

Characters find clarity and purpose through a humorous, life-changing adventure.If you liked the mix of humor and heart in City Slickers, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features comedies where characters go on transformative adventures, finding themselves through a series of funny and reflective moments. Discover similar stories about personal growth and friendship.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with characters feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their everyday lives. An opportunity for an adventure arises, forcing them into a 'fish out of water' scenario. The journey is punctuated by comedic mishaps and the camaraderie of companions, but it's the quiet, reflective moments that lead to significant personal revelations and a positive change in perspective by the end.

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Characters facing a mid-life crisis find new meaning through a challenging but rewarding experience.Looking for more movies like City Slickers that explore mid-life themes? This collection features stories about characters re-evaluating their lives and seeking renewal. These films often blend comedy with drama, offering a hopeful and relatable look at finding new direction and purpose later in life.

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Narrative Summary

The pattern follows protagonists who are confronting a sense of stagnation or crisis related to their age, career, or relationships. They undertake a challenge or enter a new environment that forces them to reassess their priorities. The journey involves confronting past regrets and fears, but it culminates in a positive, hopeful resolution where the character gains a clearer sense of self and a more fulfilling path forward.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their central focus on the mid-life experience, blending contemplative drama with elements of comedy and hope. They resonate with viewers by addressing universal fears about aging and purpose, but they provide a cathartic, optimistic outlook. The tone is consistently reflective yet uplifting.

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City Slickers Summary

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City Slickers Summary

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City Slickers Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in City Slickers

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Characters, Settings & Themes in City Slickers

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