Inside Moves

Inside Moves

Year: 1980

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Donner

DramaSportComedyRomance

In this poignant sports drama, a failed suicide attempt leaves Roary reeling, leading him to find solace among misfit regulars at a neighborhood bar. When bartender Jerry's unlikely basketball stardom with the Golden State Warriors sparks hope, Roary and friends wonder: will success come at the cost of loyalty, love, or redemption?

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Inside Moves (1980) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Inside Moves (1980), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the wake of a traumatic suicide attempt that leaves Roary physically impaired, he finds himself living in a rundown house in Oakland, California. His life mostly revolves around the comfort of a local bar, where he connects with others who share similar physical challenges. It is here that Roary builds a lasting friendship with Jerry, the charismatic barman who, despite his own mobility issues, radiates warmth and charm.

Jerry experiences a stroke of luck when he catches the eye of the Golden State Warriors after a heated game of basketball, where he comes close to defeating one of their own. However, a sudden health crisis puts the bar owner in the hospital, paving the way for the arrival of Louise, a delightful new waitress who captures Roary’s heart with her bright energy.

As Jerry’s life takes a turn for the better, he is able to undergo a surgery funded by a benevolent Warriors player, which restores his leg’s full functionality. With this transformation, Jerry rises to basketball stardom, achieving a dream he has long held in his heart. Yet, amid this newfound success, he betrays his old comrades and neglects the bar that once served as their refuge.

The repercussions of Jerry’s neglect become painfully clear when Roary visits him, only to be met with excuses for Jerry’s absence. Despite Roary’s ongoing feelings for Louise, Jerry secretly starts a relationship with her behind the scenes.

Eventually, Roary confronts Jerry, passionately expressing the importance of their friendship and the role the bar played in his journey to recovery. As Roary leaves, Jerry is left to grapple with the weight of his mistakes.

In a touching turn of fate, Roary reignites his relationship with Louise. At the same time, Jerry returns to the bar and shares his insecurities with his old friends, who listen with understanding and compassion.

In a momentous decision, Max, the bar owner, decides to close the establishment for the first time in 25 years, allowing everyone to come together to support Jerry at his much-anticipated basketball game. This serves as a heartfelt celebration of friendship and the potential for redemption.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 23:00

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