Performance & Direction: On the Nickel Review
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is On the Nickel (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and On the Nickel features a noteworthy lineup led by Donald Moffat . Supported by the likes of Ralph Waite and Penelope Allen , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: On the Nickel
Quick Plot Summary: On the Nickel is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: On the Nickel
Ending Breakdown: On the Nickel concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of On the Nickel reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch On the Nickel?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: On the Nickel
All Cast & Crew →
On the Nickel Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about On the Nickel age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of On the Nickel is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, On the Nickel is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is On the Nickel worth watching?
On the Nickel is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find On the Nickel parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for On the Nickel identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of On the Nickel?
The total duration of On the Nickel is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
