I give it a 'D' for Dialogue, which is hackneyed and atrocious, and there isn't a grade low enough for the script. Honestly, I really like the people in this movie, Mary McDonnell especially. But she and they are so much better than this. Mary McDonnell has been in countless movies of better quality. Emmy Rossum was one of the bright spots in "The Day After Tomorrow". James Badge Dale was excellent as Chase in last year's season of "24". Steven Bauer...well, I'm not sure about him. As for "Nola", the idea is good, but the material just isn't there. Seriously, I could see the end of this movie coming an hour before it was over. The young law student rides in on his white horse to save the legal day; Nola herself is put in a sleazy predicament; Leo the reporter breaks the story and, by the way, just happens to be Nola's long lost father; Nola ends up singing for a living; it's all way too predictable. I stuck around out of morbid curiosity; everyone else should spare themselves.
13 Reviews
Not what I'd hoped...
IsobelFisher7 June 2005
I wanted so badly to like this because I love Emmy Rossum, but seeing her prancing around on a bed in her bra and underwear, swinging a sock with a lock in it at a man in his tightly-whities.... it just sort of ruined it for me. The song she sings is beautiful and she looks lovely as ever, but it was just too implausible a storyline and the script was fairly weak, but Ms. Rossum was a delight, even in the midst of such faults from the script and story.
I also am a fan of Mary McDonnell's work from Dances With Wolves, but her smugness her seemed rather 1 dimensional; albeit not a great role to begin with.
I watch movies on Lifetime with some regularity, and this was above-average I'd say, but I can't say I'd watch it again. It's too bad - with this cast it could've been much better.
I also am a fan of Mary McDonnell's work from Dances With Wolves, but her smugness her seemed rather 1 dimensional; albeit not a great role to begin with.
I watch movies on Lifetime with some regularity, and this was above-average I'd say, but I can't say I'd watch it again. It's too bad - with this cast it could've been much better.
Into Every Actresses Life, A Lifetime Original Movie Must Come
alluvus23037 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I am a huge fan of actress Mary McDonnell, which is the only reason I sat through the entire excruciating run of "Nola." And even an actress of McDonnell's considerable skills couldn't save this movie from itself.
To put it bluntly, the movie didn't want to admit it was a dumb "Kansas Girl Takes The Big Apple By Storm" flick, so it tossed in a few nuggets of controversy (transgenderism, age-play/BDSM, legalizing prostitution) to try to give it depth. Unfortunately, it didn't cover any of these topics with either depth or sensitivity, turning the entire script into something that more resembled a Talking-Points List for the extreme left than an actual story.
Nola herself was the only reasonably developed character, and I didn't like her. Mary McDonnell's character (the ex-hooker with a heart of gold, if you can believe it!) hinted at a background that might have been interesting, but there was no follow through. The other characters were one-dimensional and forgettable.
The plot twists, as they were, were formulaic and actually embarrassing at a couple of points, and the resolution of the film was just rushed and wrong.
As for me? I'm just going to put in a copy of "Sneakers" or "Dances with Wolves," or maybe watch a few episodes of "Battlestar Galactica," just so I can clear my mind of Mary McDonnell spitting out this dreck dialogue. Love ya, Mary. You're better than this.
To put it bluntly, the movie didn't want to admit it was a dumb "Kansas Girl Takes The Big Apple By Storm" flick, so it tossed in a few nuggets of controversy (transgenderism, age-play/BDSM, legalizing prostitution) to try to give it depth. Unfortunately, it didn't cover any of these topics with either depth or sensitivity, turning the entire script into something that more resembled a Talking-Points List for the extreme left than an actual story.
Nola herself was the only reasonably developed character, and I didn't like her. Mary McDonnell's character (the ex-hooker with a heart of gold, if you can believe it!) hinted at a background that might have been interesting, but there was no follow through. The other characters were one-dimensional and forgettable.
The plot twists, as they were, were formulaic and actually embarrassing at a couple of points, and the resolution of the film was just rushed and wrong.
As for me? I'm just going to put in a copy of "Sneakers" or "Dances with Wolves," or maybe watch a few episodes of "Battlestar Galactica," just so I can clear my mind of Mary McDonnell spitting out this dreck dialogue. Love ya, Mary. You're better than this.
Rossum shines but the vibe is a little goofy
A_Different_Drummer22 March 2016
Your humble reviewer is supposed to be knowledgeable about what markets films are made for and what the writers were thinking but I confess this one remains a mystery to me.
Unfortunately it is not meant to be a mystery, it is meant to be a light (very light) romcom.
Rossum pretty much carries the film on her back and if you stick it out to the end (a very big "if") you will get a song you will not forget.
The rest of the film you may try to forget. The tone is bizarre. Very odd.
Keep in mind that one of the key themes here is sex and escort services. Somehow, this is not a compliment, the writers manage to tackle that topic without ever leaving the safety zone of a Lifetime movie or, in some scenes, the Disney Channel.
An amazing feat but a feat no one asked for.
Unfortunately it is not meant to be a mystery, it is meant to be a light (very light) romcom.
Rossum pretty much carries the film on her back and if you stick it out to the end (a very big "if") you will get a song you will not forget.
The rest of the film you may try to forget. The tone is bizarre. Very odd.
Keep in mind that one of the key themes here is sex and escort services. Somehow, this is not a compliment, the writers manage to tackle that topic without ever leaving the safety zone of a Lifetime movie or, in some scenes, the Disney Channel.
An amazing feat but a feat no one asked for.
If you rearrange the letters of Nola
ronny-coder21 June 2007
You get Anol. Which pretty much says it all. (Thanks to TA for pointing this out to me).
Yes, this movie is stupid. But not in the Troll2 funny kind of stupid. It is an hour and a half of pure boredom punctuated by brief episodes of incredulity. Let's get this straight guys. Lawyers in coffee shops do not save the day.
They drink coffee and get stoned when they go home.
Girls who work for escort services, are expected to service their clients. They don't get lucky shots with some crap in a sock.
The average "madam" is not some sweet lady that cares about her workers. She's a user, just like the Johns.
Almost forgot, the dialogue is just horrible.
Yes, this movie is stupid. But not in the Troll2 funny kind of stupid. It is an hour and a half of pure boredom punctuated by brief episodes of incredulity. Let's get this straight guys. Lawyers in coffee shops do not save the day.
They drink coffee and get stoned when they go home.
Girls who work for escort services, are expected to service their clients. They don't get lucky shots with some crap in a sock.
The average "madam" is not some sweet lady that cares about her workers. She's a user, just like the Johns.
Almost forgot, the dialogue is just horrible.
How could this be made?
rrfrank11 February 2005
Some of the worst dialogue clunkers in the history of cinema. Utterly unrealistic situations and characters. One must suppose that writer/director Hruska thought he was making a charming movie with aspirations to pay homage to Hollywood comedies of the 40s. Problem is, this movie does not have one funny line in its bloated length. Also, the subject matter does not easily lend itself to breezy comedy, and most certainly does not the way it's treated here. Performances are lackluster with special mention going to James Badge Dale as Ben. Mr. Dale has the charisma of a warm turd and, strangely enough, the acting ability of one.
not very good
zimbird6 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Certainly it contains a spoiler - it is one of the worst pieces of script writing I have listened to! What was Emmy Rossum doing in this piece if rubbish? The editing is just unbelievably bad and Rossum just comes through too prepared for each exchange of dialogue. I also don't see the references to Coyote ugly, another piece of fluff but at least had a more believable story line. A student laywer who beats the system - gee, how inventive. It just got worse and worse for me. What a mess. I can't give it few enough points. Even Rossum's songs don't make up for the foregoing schlock, although I have to say she is really good. Which again begs the question, why is she in thing "thing"
Comment on "Nola"
charmainecasey21 November 2005
I thought that "Nola" was a step or two down from movies like, "The Phantom" and "Mystic River". She should stick with feature films on the big screen and musicals. Isn't lifetime movies usually cast with actors that have been around for awhile? All I know is that after seeing "The Phantom" and then "Nola", I was just so let down:-( She seemed almost "average", which she is anything but!! I am hoping that the "Posiedon" will be great, with all of the great cast, including Emma. Kurt Russell and Josh Lucas are wonderful in almost everything they do. Well, I hope I didn't offend anyone, but I had to speak my mind. Emma is just too pretty and talented to be cast in an average, boring role!
A Fun, Harmless Movie
Brains_Not_Beauty13 June 2005
"Nola" is certainly not a masterpiece. On the other hand, it's not a bad movie.
I watched "Nola" because I am a HUGE Emmy Rossum fan. I think she's brilliant, beautiful and has an outstanding singing voice. In "Nola", Emmy plays an eighteen-year-old named Nola (shocker, right?). Nola moves from an abusive Kansas home to New York City in search of her father and meets some very interesting characters along the way, turning her search for her father into an "adventure".
The first 45 minutes of "Nola" are almost pure romantic comedy. After those first 45 minutes, though, a strange subplot is put into action. The subplot is fairly cheesy and not near as entertaining as I think it was meant to be. But Emmy Rossum's acting saved it. The highlights of the movie were Emmy Rossum's songs. The first was "Street of Dreams" which she sang at the very beginning, and the second was "Don't Break My Heart" which Emmy sang at the end. Her singing voice was amazing and the songs had depth.
On the whole, "Nola" is funny, sweet, and sometimes very much outlandish. I would watch again.
I watched "Nola" because I am a HUGE Emmy Rossum fan. I think she's brilliant, beautiful and has an outstanding singing voice. In "Nola", Emmy plays an eighteen-year-old named Nola (shocker, right?). Nola moves from an abusive Kansas home to New York City in search of her father and meets some very interesting characters along the way, turning her search for her father into an "adventure".
The first 45 minutes of "Nola" are almost pure romantic comedy. After those first 45 minutes, though, a strange subplot is put into action. The subplot is fairly cheesy and not near as entertaining as I think it was meant to be. But Emmy Rossum's acting saved it. The highlights of the movie were Emmy Rossum's songs. The first was "Street of Dreams" which she sang at the very beginning, and the second was "Don't Break My Heart" which Emmy sang at the end. Her singing voice was amazing and the songs had depth.
On the whole, "Nola" is funny, sweet, and sometimes very much outlandish. I would watch again.
A little too much like Coyote Ugly at first, then got really good!
lokigrrl1813 August 2003
Don't get me wrong, I liked Coyote Ugly, but this one was much better! The story was better, even the actors were better. Also, Emmy Rossum sang her own songs! She even has 2 tracks on the soundtrack. Plus, the screening that I went to was the Arizona premiere, so writer/director Alan Hruska and story consultant/assistant producer Patina Cole were there to do a Q&A after the screening. That was great because it gave more insight into the story and how the movie was made. In conclusion, this is definitely a movie that I would want to see again and again!!
Slight spoiler... but good review
jimstaudt-142-6585155 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The plot is way too contrived, and the ending a little too sappy, but Emmy Rossum, James Badge Dale, and Mary McDonnell all give really good performances. There were a few too many "convenient coincidences" throughout the film, which really made you have to stretch to buy the plot, but it was played out very well by all the actors. And come on... an 18-year-old Kansas girl sleeping in the subways and doorways in New York -- I don't THINK so. Emmy Rossum has been a huge favorite of mine since she played Christine in the most recent Phantom of the Opera movie, and I don't know why Dale hasn't really gone places yet. IMHO, he's one of the best young actors around. Hard to see Rossum sing pop-folk-ish music, though -- once you've heard her sing the operatic tunes in Phantom it just seems like a waste of her enormous talent. All in all, it's a good watch.
I AM CRAZY ABOUT EMMY !!!
mayurdeepz10 June 2004
We do not find these titles on the video stores here. So its a pain to find Nola as well.But After I'd watched "Mystic River" and "The day after tomorrow" I am completely nuts about Emmy. Thats exactly why I do not want to miss on anything which has anything to do with Emmy.(I definitely understand that this is not a Fan Mail site, But then I am a big bigger biggest Hollywood fan) The only thing that amazes me is the fact that there are not many people commenting on this movie.Just wonder why so? I wish to become a Director one day and direct a movie with Emmy playing the lead.Just hope thats not very long from now.If anyone wants to hear from me, they can contact me at the email address provided. HOPE TO MEET HER ONE DAY. though it sounds like wishful thinking...AMEN
Wish I would HAve sen it when it came out!
single_in_inna6 June 2005
I just saw this movie on lifetime tonight; before this week seeing all the commercial for it on lifetime I would have never of knew it was out there to be seen. May I say this is one of the few jewels Lifetime has shown in a long time. Not only was the story line interesting enough to keep you watching the acting was great. I though the male lead Ben was great and nice looking in that down to earth boy next door way and not the I'm a male super model worship t my feet way, which is very unique for male role now days that have to be the knight and shinning armer type. Nola she was so much different from many of the charters out there and I loved how her character development through out the story and how she actually learned something in the end.People creating movies think that if th guy is hot or the women is hot and a story is horrible the the movie will still do good and yes that is true but this one had all thing tied in it!
PLus the whole Ideal of a ***** ( not to let any spoilers out) being clean was real nice. I like the movie and the music to the movie it is amazing to see am movie where the actor actually sings their own songs and sounds good doing it. I would love to see this movie another time and I hope you also pick up a copy of it. If you like lifetime movies you will love this one so much better, it wasn't even made by lifetime.
PLus the whole Ideal of a ***** ( not to let any spoilers out) being clean was real nice. I like the movie and the music to the movie it is amazing to see am movie where the actor actually sings their own songs and sounds good doing it. I would love to see this movie another time and I hope you also pick up a copy of it. If you like lifetime movies you will love this one so much better, it wasn't even made by lifetime.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
