Hooper

Sonny Hooper is introduced as a highly-regarded and well-paid Hollywood stuntman. Despite his success, he suffers from the lingering effects of past injuries, having undergone spinal surgery, which adds tension to his high-risk lifestyle.

Sonny's long-term girlfriend, Gwen, expresses her constant worry about the risks he faces while performing dangerous stunts. Her concern highlights the tension between Sonny's passion for stunts and the precarious nature of his health.

At a charity benefit, Sonny meets the talented young stuntman, Delmore Shidski, who demonstrates his skills by jumping from a helicopter and parachuting onto an airbag. This encounter sparks a mix of admiration and envy in Sonny as he recognizes Ski’s physical abilities.

Sonny convinces his friend Cully to let him race a chariot against Ski during a stunt. Although Sonny's actions lead to Ski's chariot breaking apart during the race, he takes swift action to prevent a serious accident, showcasing his instincts as a stuntman.

Sonny and his friend Jocko encounter a table of SWAT officers at the Palomino Club, leading to a heated conflict after a verbal altercation. Sonny escalates the situation by smashing a jukebox, resulting in a brawl that ends with them being thrown out of the establishment.

Following the incident at the club, everyone gathers at Sonny's house for an after-party. Ski looks up to Sonny, watching footage of his stunts, while Jocko hints at Sonny's commitment issues regarding Gwen.

After a successful helicopter jump, Sonny visits his orthopedist, who warns him of the dire consequences of taking another serious hit to his spine. This visit serves as a turning point, emphasizing the stakes involved in Sonny's reckless pursuit of adrenaline.

Tensions rise on set when the film's writer quits over the director's heavy-handed approach, leading to a rewrite of the film's finale. The new plan involves an extremely dangerous stunt across a ravine, which ignites Sonny's and Ski's enthusiasm despite the risks.

Sonny and Ski devise a risky plan to jump a modified Firebird across a ravine after demolishing the bridge. They agree on a high fee for their work, but the tension runs high knowing that failure could lead to severe consequences for both.

Sonny's friend Cully, while drunk, inadvertently reveals the plans for the stunt to Gwen. Distressed by the danger, she confronts Sonny, threatening to leave him if he goes through with it, highlighting the strain in their relationship.

On the day of filming, chaos ensues as Sonny and Ski navigate the demolition of the village. The pressure mounts as they prepare to attempt the jump across the ravine with limited resources.

Despite low gas pressure, Sonny convinces Ski to go ahead with the jump for the money. They launch the Firebird into the air, soaring across the ravine before landing hard on the other side.

After successfully landing, both men are momentarily stunned but recover quickly. Gwen rushes to Sonny's side, relieved yet worried about the risks he takes, while the director, Roger, acknowledges their bravery.

In a moment of clarity, Sonny confronts Roger about his overbearing nature. This culminates in Sonny knocking Roger out, symbolizing his reclaiming of control over his life and career.

As the film comes to an end, Sonny reflects on the day's events. With a smile, he considers his future, signaling hope and a newfound perspective on his life and the relationships around him.