The Whole Ten Yards

The Whole Ten Yards

Year: 2004

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Howard Deutch

Budget: $40M

ThrillerComedyCrime

Retired hitman Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski seeks a quiet life, but his past comes calling when an old friend, Oz, needs his help. Oz's wife has been kidnapped by the Hungarian mob, forcing Jimmy back into a world of danger and violence. He must use his skills to navigate a dangerous situation and rescue her, confronting old enemies and risking his newfound peace.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Whole Ten Yards yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Whole Ten Yards (2004)

Trace every key event in The Whole Ten Yards (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Jimmy's Quiet Life

Retired hitman Jimmy 'The Tulip' Tudeski is trying to live a peaceful life with his wife Jill. They are adjusting to their unremarkable lifestyle while contending with the shadows of Jimmy's past.

California
2

Oz's New Beginning

Nicholas 'Oz' Ozeransky has left his tumultuous life behind and is now a dentist in California. He is happily married to Jimmy's ex-wife, Cynthia, and they eagerly await their first child.

California
3

Laszlo's Return

The tranquility of their lives is shattered with the return of Laszlo Gogolak, Jimmy’s former mob boss. Believing that Jimmy faked his own death, he kidnaps Cynthia to force Oz to reveal Jimmy's whereabouts.

4

Oz's Desperation

As pressures mount, Oz pleads for Jimmy's help due to the threat posed by Laszlo's thugs. This marks the beginning of complications as Jimmy grapples with his reluctance to re-enter the violent world he left behind.

5

Confrontation and Tension

A confrontation arises between Oz and Jimmy over the past, highlighting old resentments. Oz is troubled by Jimmy's continued connection to his past, particularly symbolized by the crucifix still worn by Jimmy.

6

Jill's Frustration

Amid their struggles, Jill's frustration escalates, leading her to seek intimacy with Oz during a night out. This rekindling of past emotions is interrupted by Jimmy’s arrival, which only heightens the tension between the three.

Bar
7

Gunfire at Oz's Home

Chaos erupts when a gunman opens fire at Oz's house, resulting in the tragic death of Strabovitz, Laszlo’s surviving son. The incident heightens the precarious situation as tensions rise among the characters.

Oz's Residence
8

Climactic Dental Clinic Confrontation

Jimmy's visit to Oz's dental clinic turns dangerous when Julie, Oz's receptionist and sister of a past victim, confronts him. This encounter leads them both into Laszlo's deadly scheme, escalating the stakes.

Oz's Dental Clinic
9

Cynthia's Involvement

As tension mounts, Oz and Cynthia cunningly manipulate their situation to uncover Laszlo's hidden treasure. Their plan, however, exposes them further to Laszlo's wrath and leads to intensified conflict.

10

Jill’s Bold Move

In a shocking confrontation, Jill demands entry into Laszlo's organization and is ordered to kill Jimmy. Her betrayal materializes as she shoots him, causing chaos as Strabovitz’s body is detonated nearby.

11

Discovery of True Assassin

The truth unfolds as Jules is revealed to be the real assassin behind Strabovitz's death. This revelation places everyone in danger as Laszlo seeks revenge against her amidst his own vendettas.

12

A Pivotal Escape

In a desperate moment, Jill critically wounds Laszlo, allowing the group a narrow escape. This pivotal action showcases her transformation amidst the chaos and her commitment to protect those she cares about.

13

The Hidden Fortune

As they rush away, the discovery of the combined halves of the first dollar hints at a buried treasure worth $280 million. This revelation underscores the dire consequences of their tangled fates and choices.

14

Jill’s Unexpected News

In an astonishing twist, Jill announces that she is pregnant. This shocking development complicates their already chaotic lives, leaving them to confront both their past and an unpredictable future.

15

Laszlo's Downfall

As the law closes in on the group, Laszlo is ultimately apprehended, leaving Jimmy, Jill, Oz, and Cynthia to reflect on their tumultuous journey. They must now face the challenges of their choices and new beginnings.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 17:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about one last job like The Whole Ten Yards

Former experts are drawn out of peaceful retirement into a high-stakes final mission.If you enjoyed The Whole Ten Yards, you'll like these movies about retired professionals pulled back for one final mission. This thread features similar crime stories and comedies where former experts must use their old skills to navigate a dangerous situation, blending tense action with character-driven conflict.

tenseaction-packedreluctant herohigh-stakesvolatilebittersweetforced reunion

Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a retired expert living a quiet life whose past catches up with them. A crisis—often involving a loved one or an old enemy—forces them to reluctantly strap back in. The narrative is driven by the clash between their new life and old skills, leading to a climactic confrontation that tests their resolve and often leaves their future forever changed.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here by their shared premise of a 'one last job' arc, combining high-stakes action with the personal conflict of a character torn between their peaceful present and violent past. They share a tone of reluctant heroism, fast pacing, and a mix of tense action with character-driven drama or comedy.

Chaotic crime comedies with double-crosses like The Whole Ten Yards

Fast-paced stories where no one can be trusted and plans constantly unravel.Fans of The Whole Ten Yards will enjoy these chaotic crime comedies full of deception and double-crosses. Discover similar fast-paced thrillers and comedies where the plot twists with every betrayal, characters are deeply paranoid, and the action is both tense and darkly funny.

deceptiveparanoidchaoticdouble-crossaction-packedfrustratedunraveling plans

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread are built on a foundation of shifting alliances and concealed motives. Characters operate with hidden agendas, leading to a cascade of misunderstandings, sudden betrayals, and chaotic shootouts. The story often feels like a house of cards collapsing, driven by paranoia and the characters' attempts to stay one step ahead in a game where the rules keep changing.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on deception as a central plot engine. They mix the tension of a thriller with the absurdity of comedy, resulting in a fast-paced, volatile viewing experience. The similarity lies in the tone—anxious and paranoid—and the narrative structure of escalating chaos caused by double-crosses.

Unlock the Full Story of The Whole Ten Yards

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Whole Ten Yards in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Whole Ten Yards is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Whole Ten Yards Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Whole Ten Yards, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Whole Ten Yards Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Whole Ten Yards

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Whole Ten Yards. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Whole Ten Yards

The Whole Ten Yards Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Whole Ten Yards that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Whole Ten Yards Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Whole Ten Yards

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Whole Ten Yards: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Whole Ten Yards

Similar Movies to The Whole Ten Yards

Discover movies like The Whole Ten Yards that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.