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Nobody's Fool

Play trailer Poster for Nobody's Fool R 1994 1h 50m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
91% Tomatometer 58 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.
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Nobody's Fool

Nobody's Fool

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Critics Consensus

It's solidly directed by Robert Benton and stacked with fine performances from an impressive cast, but above all, Nobody's Fool is a showcase for some of Paul Newman's best late-period work.

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Critics Reviews

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Michael Sragow The New Yorker Oct 29, 2013
The movie is both a star vehicle and an ensemble piece; the other actors revolve around Newman yet give off more than just his reflected light. Go to Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Oct 29, 2013
3/4
We love to see our movie gods play flawed souls, especially a god with a face that looks like one on a Roman coin. Go to Full Review Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times Oct 29, 2013
Moviegoing holds few pleasures greater than watching an established star completely inhabit a role that exactly suits his personality and abilities. And seeing Paul Newman in Nobody's Fool defines that pleasure. Go to Full Review Kevin Craft PopMatters Apr 1, 2026
In Nobody’s Fool, Paul Newman turns in one of his most purely enjoyable performances as an absentee father from a small town navigating the winter of his life. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Jan 30, 2026
3.5/4
...a deliberate, gentle endeavor that remains entirely watchable for the duration of its running time... Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Dec 23, 2022
3/4
Paul Newman had already delivered so many terrific turns in his lifetime that he hardly needed to continue past retirement age to cement his legendary status. Yet here he's found giving one of the best performances of his career. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Sapere A @RT77933623 Apr 4, 2026 As warm and wonderful as a movie can be. See more Thomas S. @ttonetom Dec 2, 2025 Excellent. One of my wife and mine favorite films See more Marcus T @MarcusT12 Jun 4, 2025 I watched about half of this and then lost interest. None of the characters grabbed me or made me care about them. Paul Newman's character, the reason I chose the movie, was on screen most of the time and wasn't a particularly likeable character. It was going nowhere fast so I turned it off. See more Nils B @RT08823408 Mar 5, 2025 An absolutely charming film. A slice of life story done perfectly with great script, casting, directing, and more. One of my most favourite movies of all time. See more Brad S. R @RT07389644 Feb 25, 2025 One of the best small town movies ever made. See more Peter W @RT12077588 Dec 31, 2022 Overall, what begins as a slow-paced story about an old man with a limp soon transforms into something far greater than I could have ever expected. It's a touching story about family, friendships and loyalty. Paul Newman once again delivers a fun, likeable and charming character to the screen. While slow to begin with, the film delivers a strong payoff and reward by the third act. There are moments where I generally laughed out loud and other moments that felt gripping, dramatic and heartfelt. In the end, it's just a fun and lovable film that packs great rewards for those who invest in it. See more Read all reviews
Nobody's Fool

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Cast & Crew

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Robert Benton

Director

Paul Newman

Sully

Jessica Tandy

Miss Beryl

Melanie Griffith

Toby Roebuck

Bruce Willis

Carl Roebuck

Dylan Walsh

Peter

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Nobody's Fool

Nobody's Fool (1994) Nobody's Fool (1994) Nobody's Fool (1994) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.
Director
Robert Benton
Producer
Scott Rudin, Arlene Donovan
Screenwriter
Richard Russo, Robert Benton
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount Pictures, Capella International, Cinehaus
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 23, 1994, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$38.3M
Runtime
1h 50m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
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