Nobody’s Fool Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old dude milks a knee injury, steals a snowblower, and almost runs off to Hawaii with his boss’s wife, all while trying to figure out if he actually likes his kid.

🍿 Nobody’s Fool: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Sully and North Bath

Donald ‘Sully’ Sullivan, played by Paul Newman, is a 60-year-old man living in the economically depressed town of North Bath, New York. He’s a bit of a ne’er-do-well, working odd jobs and constantly finding himself in minor conflicts. He’s suing Carl Roebuck, a local contractor, for back wages and a knee injury, while simultaneously flirting with Carl’s wife, Toby.

Family Reconnections

Sully’s estranged son, Peter, returns to North Bath with his own family, including his young son Will. This forces Sully to confront his past failures as a father and consider the possibility of building a relationship with his son and grandson. He struggles to connect, facing resentment from Peter and uncertainty about his role.

Financial Troubles and the Bank’s Plot

Sully is also dealing with financial instability, living as a tenant of Miss Beryl Peoples, his former schoolteacher. Her son, Clive, a banker, is trying to evict Sully and sell Miss Beryl’s property for development. This adds another layer of complexity to Sully’s already complicated life as he tries to maintain his independence and protect his living situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Donald ‘Sully’ Sullivan (Paul Newman): A rascally, aging construction worker in a small town, Sully grapples with family responsibilities while pursuing ways to make a quick buck and avoid real work.
• Carl Roebuck (Bruce Willis): Sully’s nemesis and employer, Carl is a successful but often unscrupulous contractor constantly at odds with Sully, both professionally and personally.
• Toby Roebuck (Melanie Griffith): Carl’s attractive and neglected wife, Toby finds herself drawn to Sully’s charms and offers him an escape from their small town.
• Miss Beryl Peoples (Jessica Tandy): Sully’s kind-hearted and wise landlady, Miss Beryl provides him with a home and serves as a moral compass in his life.
• Peter Sullivan (Dylan Walsh): Sully’s estranged son, Peter returns to town, forcing Sully to confront his past failures as a father and attempt to rebuild their relationship.
• Rub Squeers (Pruitt Taylor Vince): Sully’s dim-witted but loyal friend and partner in various schemes, Rub provides comedic relief and unwavering companionship.
• Officer Raymer (Philip Seymour Hoffman): A by-the-book local police officer, Raymer develops a personal vendetta against Sully, constantly trying to catch him in wrongdoings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sully: “I used to believe in brains and hard work until I met you.” – Sully says this sarcastically to Carl, his wealthy but not-so-bright employer, highlighting their contrasting worldviews.
• Sully: “You know, you can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends.” – Sully says this to Rub, emphasizing the importance of their friendship in his life, especially compared to his estranged relationship with his son.
• Toby: “You’re a man among men.” – Toby says this to Sully, acknowledging his unexpected integrity in turning down her offer to run away together.
• Sully: “I am hurrying, it just looks like slow motion.” – Sully says this as a self-deprecating acknowledgment of his age and physical limitations.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $39,491,975
• Worldwide Gross: $39,491,975

💥 Nobody’s Fool Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Nobody’s Fool’! Paul Newman is fantastic as Sully, and the whole small-town vibe is just so real. The scene where he lets his grandson drive the truck? Heart-melting! It’s a feel-good movie without being overly sappy. I felt like I knew these characters, and I was genuinely invested in their lives. A perfect movie for a cozy night in.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Paul Newman”
  • “Viewers interested in small-town dramas”
  • “People who enjoy character-driven stories”
  • “Those looking for heartwarming and relatable films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Mature themes related to family dysfunction”

Professional Reviews

• Comic Book Resources: “Related news notes that the film accidentally tells the same story (but were released 40 Years Apart) as another iconic movie
• Indiewire: “Related news states that ‘Virtuosity’ Walked So ‘The Matrix’ Could Run.
• N/A: “Like ‘Mr. & Mrs. Bridge,’ this is a low-key, slice-of-life drama, aided by a fabulous script and wonderful cast, is totally engrossing. It never goes for heavy emotional effects, but makes its points in a powerfully understated way. Excellent acting all around!

Audience Reactions

Paul Newman’s performance is outstanding, showcasing both his comedic and dramatic talents.: Viewers generally agree that the film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of small-town life and relatable characters.

The relationship between Sully and Miss Beryl is heartwarming and genuine.: Many appreciate the film’s subtle humor and heartwarming moments, making it a comforting and enjoyable watch.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and well-acted slice-of-life drama with a focus on family and redemption, with the best performance coming from Paul Newman. Though some reviews are more middling or negative, the overall concensus paints a positive picture of the film.

Awards

1. Berlin International Film Festival (Silver Bear for Best Actor)- 1995

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot during the particularly harsh winter of 1993/1994 in upstate New York, which added to the authentic atmosphere of the struggling small town.”
• “This was one of Jessica Tandy’s final film roles, adding a poignant layer to her character’s wisdom and warmth.”
• “Bruce Willis agreed to be in the movie as a favor to Paul Newman and didn’t appear in the pre-film credits.”

🖥️ How to Watch Nobody’s Fool?

Nobody’s Fool is currently available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Nobody’s Fool, you might like these similar films:

• Nobody Knows (2004): Explores themes of abandonment and unconventional family bonds.
• The Straight Story (1999): Another film about an aging man who wants to make amends.
• Empire Falls (2005): Also based on a Richard Russo novel, shares a similar setting and exploration of small-town life with complex characters.
• Gran Torino (2008): Features an aging, curmudgeonly protagonist who forms an unlikely bond with a younger person, finding redemption and purpose later in life.

🛒 Nobody’s Fool Related Products

• Nobody’s Fool [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition with enhanced picture and sound quality. A must-have for movie collectors and fans of classic films.
• Richard Russo: Nobody’s Fool: Read the original novel that inspired the film. Explore the deeper themes and character development not fully captured in the movie adaptation. A great companion for fans of the film.
• Paul Newman: The Definitive Biography: Learn about the life and career of Paul Newman, one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. Discover behind-the-scenes stories and insights into his most memorable roles. An essential read for any Newman fan.
• Small Town America [DVD]: Discover some of the greatest films that take place in Small Town America, including Nobody’s Fool

🎧 Soundtrack

Nobody’s Fool features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Call Me Irresponsible” – performed by Patti Page

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tyler Perry opens up about ‘Nobody’s Fool’

Ever wonder what it’s like for Tyler Perry to work with someone like Tiffany Haddish? He spills the beans in this interview and gives us a peek into the behind-the-scenes magic of ‘Nobody’s Fool’. It’s actually super insightful!

NOBODY’S FOOL Tyler Perry & Tiffany Haddish Talk Creating His First “R” Rated Comedy

Did you know ‘Nobody’s Fool’ was Tyler Perry’s first R-rated comedy? Tiffany Haddish joins him to chat about how they made it happen, and their on-screen dynamic. Definitely worth a watch!

Celebrity Dad Jokes | Tiffany & Tika vs. Tyler & Omari | All Def

Want to see the ‘Nobody’s Fool’ cast try not to laugh at some seriously cheesy dad jokes? It’s Tiffany & Tika vs. Tyler & Omari, and the results are hilarious. I honestly couldn’t stop laughing, so give it a watch!

✨ Rate