MovieFreak.com - "Nobody's Fool" DVD Review by Dennis Landmann

DVD REVIEW

Nobody's Fool (1994)

Starring: Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy, Bruce Willis

Director: Robert Benton

Rating: R

Distributor: Paramount Home Entertainment

Release Date: September 9, 2003
Review posted: September 23, 2003

Spoilers: Minor

Reviewed by Dennis Landmann

Synopsis

Sully (Paul Newman) is a likeable working stiff approaching retirement age. While he is pressing a worker's compensation suit for a bad knee, he secretly works for his nemesis, Carl (Bruce Willis), and flirts with Carl's young wife Toby (Melanie Griffith). He’s made a lifetime of bad decisions, but he unexpectedly has a chance to make right on some of them when his estranged son (Dylan Walsh) and grandson drop into his life.

Critique

Nobody’s Fool, adapted from the novel by Richard Russo, is a genuine, intimate character piece that works on many levels. It mixes humor and drama very well. Most notably Paul Newman gives a terrific performance. He plays Sully with a lot of humor, pain, and emotion. The character itself is so multi-layered, such as his character traits and the way he carries himself. This gives Newman a lot to play with. Yet his co-stars are also important in making him look good. Jessica Tandy, in her last movie role, plays Sully’s aging landlady. Tandy and Newman are on-screen together mainly in the beginning and towards the end, and their chemistry transcends very nicely.

Moreover, even though the opening credits don’t mention him, Bruce Willis brings an exciting touch to his character, and his performance is both humorous and down-to-earth. Melanie Griffith shares some good chemistry with Newman also, and at one point in the film even pulls up her pullover to expose her breasts (I thought it’s worth mentioning). Dylan Walsh is also very good as Sully’s son. Likewise, Pruitt Taylor Vince is good as Sully’s best friend and Philip Seymour Hoffman makes a funny appearance as police officer Raymer. To sum it up, every character shares good chemistry.

To say Nobody’s Fool is full of unexpected moments would not be true exactly. Instead, it’s full of heartwarming, funny surprises. The location of the film, an update New York town, is almost a character itself, as is the ever-present snow, which gives the film a mysteriously warm atmosphere. Surely, snow is most associated with cold temperature, but here it works the opposite way.

Also, Robert Benton, who adapts Russo’s 500+ page novel in his screenplay, knows the characters very well and successfully produces many memorable and humorous moments, such as Sully stealing Carl’s snowblower, Sully driving on the sidewalk, etc. Benton also incorporates great dialogue and each line is perfectly in place. Howard Shore’s music score carries a sweet tune and is very much enjoyable. Nobody’s Fool is a pretty darn good reference of a film where all elements, writing, directing, and acting, expertly fall into place.

The Video

Paramount presents Nobody’s Fool in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Colors range from white and blue, yet saturation attains a respectable look. The print quality is in good shape, too, with pretty decent detail and a considerably crisp image. Grain pops up in spots, however. The snow looks terrific, by the way. Also, interior scenes, such as Sully’s old home, are good evidence of a very likeable transfer. Seeing the film in widescreen is a rewarding thing by itself.

The Audio

Paramount presents Nobody’s Fool in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound. This soundtrack is mostly front-heavy. Dialog is clear and easy to understand at all times. Howard Shore’s score creates a nice, surround-like atmosphere. Ambient sounds also make use of the rear speakers at times. This is a pretty decent presentation, although nothing special. For the material it sounds just fine; no major complaints from me. You can also choose to view the film in French Dolby Surround.

The Extras

There are no extras, although the film’s DVD release was highly anticipated I’m sure, which makes the abundance of extras a letdown. At least a trailer would’ve been nice.

You can select to view the film with optional English subtitles. The DVD’s menus are not animated but easy to navigate. The 113-minute feature is organized into fifteen chapters. A paper insert lists scene selections.

Overall

Nobody’s Fool is a heartwarming, humorous, and genuine film. Paul Newman is simply terrific. Video/audio is pretty decent considering the material, and the abundance of extras is a shame. Still, this DVD comes recommended. You won’t regret it.

RATINGS SUMMARY