Year: 2017
Runtime: 94 min
Language: English
Directors: Mark Cullen, Robb Cullen
In Los Angeles, private investigator Steve Ford faces a personal crisis when his cherished dog, Buddy, is stolen by dangerous gangsters. His search for Buddy quickly spirals into a perilous journey filled with deceit and unexpected threats. He finds himself pursued by a colorful cast of adversaries, including ruthless Samoans and menacing loan sharks, as he fights to recover what he holds dear and uncover the truth behind the theft.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Once Upon a Time in Venice (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the sun-drenched streets of Venice, Los Angeles, private investigator Steve Ford, portrayed by Jason Momoa, becomes ensnared in a web of deception when he engages his reliable assistant, John Goodman, to track down Nola, an alluring young woman. The quest for Nola leads Ford into a labyrinth of temptation, where he finds himself irresistibly drawn to her, only to come face-to-face with her wrathful brothers, who initially hired him for the job.
Desperate for safety, Ford seeks solace at his friend Tino’s pizzeria, where he commits to helping Tino recover his stolen car from the clutches of the notorious gang leader, Spyder. Amidst this chaotic pursuit, Ford strives to navigate the complexities of his personal life, spending time with his loyal dog, his sister-in-law Katey, and her spirited daughter, while also being there for his best friend, Dave Phillips, who faces challenges in his own fractured marriage.
Adding to his overwhelming responsibilities, Ford takes on a new case from the shrewd real estate mogul, Lew the Jew, who enlists his help in tracking down a vandal wreaking havoc with provocative graffiti on his properties, promising the return of Ford’s childhood home in exchange.
The plot thickens when Spyder’s clients carry out a bold break-in at Katey’s house, stealing Ford’s cherished dog. In a desperate bid to recover his pet, Ford strikes a deal with Spyder, agreeing to compensate for damages caused by his past action, but in a startling twist, when Thomas Middleditch (John) uncovers Nola while observing the secretive graffiti artist, feelings of romance resurface.
As Ford endeavors to unweave this intricate network of bonds and duties, he finds himself in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with Spyder, who pressures him to retrieve drugs stolen from him by Lupe, a shadowy figure connected to the criminal underworld. With John’s assistance, Ford identifies the graffiti artist’s true allegiances, revealing that they are linked to Lew’s resentful competitors.
Rallying his friend Phillips, Ford gears up to confront their foes, striving to close Lew’s case for good. As they dig deeper, they learn that Lupe had secretly sold Spyder’s cocaine to Prince, the merciless leader of a rival gang. Determined to reclaim what was lost, Ford and Phillips stealthily enter Prince’s nightclub, ready to retrieve the stolen goods.
Tensions reach a fever pitch as Ford and his allies find themselves in a high-stakes face-off against Spyder at his well-guarded hideout. In a surprising resolution, Spyder honors his word and parts with Ford amicably, concluding their transaction on a positive note. As a sign of familial love, Ford gifts the family home to his sibling and young relative, an act reflecting the deep bonds they share.
However, this benevolent gesture ignites unforeseen consequences, placing Ford’s life at risk. Unbeknownst to him, Prince—a figure driven by a longstanding grudge—seizes the moment to take revenge by abducting John. In the ensuing chaos, as truths begin to surface, John finds himself ensnared and helpless, caught in a sinister plot. As news of Ford’s location spreads, Prince and his gang embark on a mission to fulfill their deadly intentions, leaving John tied and at the mercy of fate.
Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 16:31
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