City Slickers

Mitch Robbins, along with his closest friends Ed and Phil, experiences a collective realization of their approaching 40s. They struggle with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to recapture their youthful adventurous spirits.

Eager to shake off their mid-life woes, Ed suggests an exhilarating plan to run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. This thrusts the friends into a whirlwind of adventure, although the experience itself proves to be a humbling one for Mitch.

Mitch celebrates his 39th birthday, receiving a call from his mother that recounts the dramatic events of his birth. His day takes a downturn as he feels the weight of his professional and personal failures.

At his son's school for Career Day, Mitch faces the disappointment of the children when they learn about his job. This moment forces him to confront his current state and the changes that have come with aging.

Mitch's wife Barbara throws him a birthday party, inviting Ed and Phil along with their wives. Tensions rise as Phil's troubled marriage with Arlene comes to a head, adding an uncomfortable atmosphere to the celebration.

The party is disrupted when Nancy, a coworker of Phil's, arrives and claims that Phil is the father of her unborn child. This revelation leads to a heated argument between Phil and Arlene, overshadowing the festivities.

Concerned about Mitch's dissatisfaction with life, Barbara encourages him to seek new experiences. Mitch ultimately agrees to join Phil and Ed on a two-week cattle drive in the Southwest, hoping to find clarity.

On their cattle drive adventure, Mitch and his friends encounter a colorful group of characters, including dentists and a recent divorcee. This diverse assortment of riders introduces Mitch to new perspectives on life.

While preparing for the cattle drive, tensions escalate when ranch hands make unwelcome advances towards Bonnie. Mitch intervenes to defend her, marking the beginning of their camaraderie.

An intimidating cowboy named Curly displays his prowess by lassoing a ranch hand to defend Mitch and Bonnie. This encounter leaves a lasting impression on Mitch, who begins to see Curly as a source of wisdom.

As the cattle drive progresses, Mitch forges a unique bond with Curly during nights spent under the stars. Curly shares insights on life and purpose, prompting Mitch to reflect on his own journey.

Tragedy strikes when Curly unexpectedly dies while looking after the cattle. His passing forces Mitch and the group to confront their feelings, leading to a solemn burial and deeper emotional connections.

Around the campfire, Mitch and his friends share treasured memories and painful stories, creating stronger bonds among them. This cathartic moment offers an opportunity to reflect on their lives.

As their cattle drive comes to an end, Mitch finally understands Curly's metaphor of the 'one thing.' This insight drives him to make meaningful choices about his future and relationships.

Upon returning home, Mitch surprises Barbara by bringing along the calf he named Norman. This gesture symbolizes his growth and newfound understanding of life, as they set off together as a family.