Ticker

Ticker

Year: 2001

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Albert Pyun

CrimeActionAdventureThriller

When the countdown hits zero, you’re dead. San Francisco detective Ray Nettles and his partner Fuzzy must confront a dangerous terrorist cell. After scientist Claire Manning is arrested, leader Swan threatens to bomb the city unless she’s released. Nettles calls explosives expert Frank Glass to stop the attacks.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Ticker 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 & Setting – Ticker (2001)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ticker (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

San Francisco, City Hall, Warehouse, Jazz Club

The story unfolds across a modern San Francisco landscape—from the tense atmosphere around City Hall to the shadowy interiors of warehouses and a dim jazz club. The city serves as the battleground where hostage crises, bomb threats, and swift police actions play out. Each location adds a distinct mood: the claustrophobic basement where a bomb is found, the crowded bar scene that becomes a target, and the rooftop finale that decides the fate of many.

🌉 Urban setting 🏛️ Government thriller 🎷 Jazz club scene

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 11:53

Main Characters – Ticker (2001)

Meet the key characters of Ticker (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Claire Manning (Jaime Pressly)

Initially captured by the police, Claire is evasive and guarded, yet she proves capable of strategic cooperation. She provides crucial information about the bombers and ultimately reveals herself as the mastermind behind the plot, orchestrating the finale while concealing her true motives. Her actions—both cooperative and deceptive—redefine loyalties and drive the climactic twists.

🧠 Clever 🧭 Strategist 🔒 Mysterious

Det. Ray Nettles (Tom Sizemore)

A veteran narcotics cop haunted by personal tragedy, Ray is capable and determined, yet struggles with grief that shapes his decisions. He pushes through pain to pursue leads, ultimately coordinating with Glass to protect the city. His empathy toward Claire prompts him to balance duty with caution, and he plays a pivotal role in the final bomb-disarmament sequence.

🧭 Determined 🛡️ Protective 🧩 Intense

Det. Art 'Fuzzy' Rice (Nas)

Ray's partner who urges caution and recognizes the psychological toll of the case. He is pragmatic and perceptive, offering grounded perspectives throughout the investigation. He is shot during the confrontation with the bombers, becoming a catalyst for Ray's continued resolve and emotional stakes.

🔎 Steady 🧪 Realistic 🗡️ Stoic

Frank Glass (Steven Seagal)

The calm, shrewd bomb squad veteran who disarms threats under intense pressure. He coaches Ray over the radio, interpreting their failures and guiding actions to avert disasters. Glass’s methodical approach ultimately helps expose the true nature of the threat and ensures the roof bomb is neutralized.

🧰 Expert 🧠 Calm 🛡️ Resolute

Alex Swan (Leader of the bombers)

The strategic commander behind the bombing campaign who coordinates multiple segments of the plot. His plan hinges on fear, misdirection, and a calculated timetable, driving the tension as authorities close in. Swan embodies the calculated menace at the heart of the crisis.

🔥 Bomber 🧠 Mastermind

Vershbow (Michael Halsey)

A surviving bomber who grows cold feet and forces Swan to surrender the bomb at gunpoint. Vershbow’s wavering presence underscores the fragility of extremist plans and the consequences of fear in high-stakes operations.

🤝 Reluctant 🧭 Strategic

Det. Artie Pluchinsky (Peter Greene)

A member of the investigative team who contributes to the procedural and operational dynamics of the case. His role combines detective work with the broader fight against the coordinated attack.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🧭 Investigator

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 11:53

Major Themes – Ticker (2001)

Explore the central themes of Ticker (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Grief & Redemption

The film uses personal loss to shape its protagonists, especially Ray, who is haunted by the car bombing death of his wife and son. Grief drives impulsive decisions and moral questioning, yet the characters seek redemption through acts of courage under fire. The narrative suggests that acknowledging pain is a step toward protecting others. In the climactic efforts to prevent further catastrophe, grief motivates self-sacrifice and resolve.

💥 Terrorism & Deception

A meticulously planned bombing campaign drives the plot, highlighting how threats are manufactured to manipulate responses. The bombers deploy decoys and misdirection to confuse law enforcement, testing the limits of control and trust. The tension escalates as the true mastermind’s intentions remain hidden until the final revelations. The theme examines how violence is orchestrated and how truth surfaces under pressure.

🕵️‍♂️ Trust & Betrayal

Claire’s shifting role—from captured suspect to suspected mastermind—explores the fragility of trust between victims, perpetrators, and investigators. The police must decide when to rely on an informant who may be playing her own game. The revelation that Claire orchestrates the ‘masterpiece’ reframes loyalties and forces characters to confront their assumptions. Trust becomes the currency that can either avert catastrophe or fuel it.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 11:53

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Unlock the Full Story of Ticker

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ticker 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 Ticker is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ticker Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ticker, 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.

Ticker Summary

Ticker Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ticker with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ticker Timeline

Ticker Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Ticker 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.

Ticker Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Ticker

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ticker: 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 Ticker

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