Movie spotlight
On the Nose
Robbie Coltrane stars as Delaney, a university janitor and reformed gambler whose past habits come back to haunt him. Having squandered the savings set aside for his daughter’s education through ill-judged horse-race bets, Delaney has promised his wife to give up gambling for good. But when his daughter Sinead is accepted into Trinity College in Ireland and the tuition money is suddenly needed, desperation sets in. While carrying out his duties at the university, Delaney makes an extraordinary discovery: the preserved head of an Aboriginal tribesman which, under the right conditions, can accurately predict racehorse winners. As Delaney is tempted back into gambling to secure his daughter’s future, he must fend off the mob and a determined representative from an Australian university intent on reclaiming the head and returning it home, pushing Delaney’s morality, resolve, and luck to their absolute limits.
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Plot Summary
A retired detective, haunted by a past case, finds himself drawn back into the world of crime when a young woman disappears. He must confront his own demons and navigate a labyrinth of deceit to uncover the truth. The investigation leads him through unexpected places and forces him to question everything he thought he knew. Ultimately, he must rely on his instincts and his sharp intellect to solve the puzzle.
Critical Reception
On the Nose received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many finding the plot convoluted and the performances uneven. While some praised Richard Dreyfuss's central performance, others felt the film failed to deliver on its potential, resulting in a forgettable viewing experience.
What Reviewers Say
A muddled plot that fails to engage.
Performances are largely forgettable, with few highlights.
The film lacks the suspense and intrigue expected of a crime drama.
Google audience: Audience reception for On the Nose is scarce, with limited data available. However, where information exists, it suggests a generally unenthusiastic audience response, with viewers often citing a lack of clarity in the narrative and a failure to be compelling.
Fun Fact
The film was reportedly shelved for a period before its limited release, contributing to its obscurity.
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