Is Stick Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Stick is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Stick Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, Stick emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Drama, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After getting out of jail, car thief Ernest "Stick" Stickley witnesses the murder of his friend Rainy during a drug deal. Unlike standard genre fare, Stick attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Stick features a noteworthy lineup led by Burt Reynolds . Supported by the likes of Candice Bergen and George Segal , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Stick (1985) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Stick Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Stick is a Action, Drama, Crime film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Stick Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Stick attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Stick reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Stick Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Stick incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, drama, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Stick adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Stick?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Stick Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $22.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Stick Budget
The estimated production budget for Stick is $22.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Stick
- Burt Reynolds – Stick
- Candice Bergen – Kyle
- George Segal – Barry
- Charles Durning – Chucky
- José Pérez – Rainy
Top Highlights
Burt ReynoldsStick
Candice BergenKyle
George SegalBarry
Charles DurningChucky
José PérezRainy
Richard LawsonCornell
Castulo GuerraNestor
Dar RobinsonMoke
Alex RoccoFirestone
David ReynosoLuis
Where to Watch Stick Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Stick is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Stick stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stick movie hit or flop?
Stick has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Stick worth watching?
Stick is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Drama, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Stick online?
Stick may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
