I Love Trouble (1994) User Reviews (42)

Mindless fun, a romance of bickering journalists

[roghache · 6/10 · 12 March 2006]

Well, I wouldn't exactly describe this as a timeless classic, a thought provoking movie, or one of the legendary love stories of the silver screen. Still, it's a fun romance and an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.

The tale revolves around two rival Chicago reporters, one relatively novice, Sabrina Peterson, the other the more seasoned, well known Peter Brackett, who are both hot on the trail of a train derailment story. Of course competition between them is intense (and so at times is the chemistry) as the two exchange false leads, fibs, barbs, and witty repartee. Lots of predictable action, chases, and mystery as to the identity of the bad guys.

The lovely, always endearing Julia Roberts plays the journalistic sharp cookie, Sabrina, with Nick Nolte convincing in the role of her rival, Brackett. At least the pair are not hopping into bed within the first half hour (in refreshing contrast to most modern films), leaving a little time for storytelling and character development.

This is definitely describable as a "flick" (for guys or chicks); its spirit is in keeping with its title. Personally, I'm a great Julia Roberts fan. This isn't her best picture but, nevertheless, it's quite watchable.

One-Time Watch!

[namashi_1 · 6/10 · 29 April 2011]

'I Love Trouble' is a fairly entertaining film, that offers some interesting moments in the goings-on. What really stands tall in this film, are the performances by it's popular cast.

'I Love Trouble' tells the story of how 2 Competing journalists at rival papers fall in love, while exposing a government-involved scandal.

Written by the husband-and-wife team of Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer, The writing in the first-hour is convincing & moves easily. But, in the second hour it falters and dips for quite some time, but the culmination is nicely done. Charles Shyer's direction is fair. Cinematography & Editing are functional. The Action Sequences are interesting.

Performance-Wise: Nick Nolte is terrific, as always. Julia Roberts is equally superb too. In the supporting cast, Olympia Dukakis, Robert Loggia & Saul Rubinek are noticeable.

On the whole, A One-Time Watch!

Formulaic, but fun

[NxNWRocks · 5/10 · 16 August 2004]

That this film fails on so many levels and still remains watchable, if not actually enjoyable, must be a credit to someone involved in the production; it's just not immediately clear who.

There are three main problems with the movie. One, the attempt to graft the noirish elements onto a hi-tech industrial-intrigue plot, which results in an uncomfortable mix of pulp culture from two generations: the hardboiled detectives of the '40s thrust into the realm of today's potboiler mystery bestsellers. Whereas the earlier style was streamlined, and relatively simple and focused, today's genre authors seemingly compete for who can make the most convoluted plot with sidetracks, red herrings and subplots galore. This contrast leaves the film trying to go in two directions at once.

Two, the relationship between the leads is never quite satisfactory. Roberts and Nolte are just not cut out for their cut-out roles, and while they try gamely, it's tough to buy them as reporters who bicker, and almost impossible to imagine them falling in love, even though its obvious from the first reel that this is where the story will take them. Three, the film is far too long, and it becomes a chore to maintain attention and interest in what happens.

On the plus side, there are some redeeming features. The plot plays its cards close enough to its chest that some elements of the ending come as an untelegraphed surprise. The comic touches are successful enough, especially in the bickering between the two as they try to out-do each other in getting the scoop for their respective newspaper. The camera work and editing employ some tricks to freshen up some scenes and the cuts between them. The only problem here is that once the same trick is employed more than once or twice it becomes a little tiresome.

We're left with a very standard piece of work, but one that works just hard enough to keep it relatively entertaining but not quite memorable, even for Nolte and Roberts fans.

Nolte/Roberts starpower make this...

[dwpollar · 6/10 · 8 February 2002]

1st watched 2/8/2002 - 6 out of 10 (Dir-Charles Shyer): Nolte/Roberts starpower make this rather convuluted, unbelievable story watchable. A very simple title for a very over-the-top complex story that starts with two rival reporters covering a train de-railment in Chicago and ends with having something to do with a chemical that helps cows produce milk at an early age. As silly as the story plot is, we follow Nolte as a well-known name for the Chicago Chronicle, and Roberts as a newcomer for the Chicago Globe with both of them having one thing on their minds - their egos!! The movie starts out slow but once the two heroes start acting like they're actually trying to work together, things heat up. The exchanges between the two are comical and classic at times. Roberts seems to always to be matched up with some of the best male actors in Hollywood and she usually comes out holding her own, this is no exception and the movie, it's ok too.

average "formula' movie, not really bad or unwatchable just unremarkable.

[triple8 · 5/10 · 14 November 2003]

I love trouble isn't awful or outstanding, it's simply a by the numbers, at times pleasant movie that is extremely predictable but isn't a bad choice, particularly if your a Roberts or Nolte fan.

I love trouble doesn't stick out in my mind at all as either great or awful and I suppose I enjoyed it, moderately. It's not a must see but is worth seeing on a rainy day as there is absolutely nothing about it that's dreadful.

This part mystery part romance relies on Nolte and Roberts to carry it and if they had been exceptional together the by the numbers and predictable factor may not have mattered. But unfortunately, Roberts and Nolte certainly don't have much chemistry and they've both been better with other leads playing opposite. There are some fun moments in this and as mentioned, it's not really bad or dull as much as utterly predictable in every way, but it's not a movie where the chemistry of the two leads or the storyline will stick in one's mind after.

There's nothing wrong with predictable sometimes but as predictable movies go I have seen much much better.This is probably about average or so.

Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts together in the same movie

[Atreyu_II · 6/10 · 15 March 2008]

"I Love Trouble" is an okay romantic comedy with some charm in certain points. But that's all.

As a movie, it is generally watchable (at least during its first half). However, in the second half the movie seems to become way more slow, lame, goofy and with a notorious lack of interest and entertainment. Only the «crazy speed at the rain in the car» scene, the forced wedding scene and the thrilling ending (with some good action) are the good things about the second half. Other than that, not really. Why? Because before the thrilling ending, that sequence starts by taking too long to finally win some "life". Besides, there is a scene in a bar with dancing or country music, which is one of the most boring things for me in a movie. Not to mention that I don't see what's the point of both Peter Brackett and Sabrina Peterson keeping out-scooping each other.

Nevertheless, until the first hour the movie is okay and contains some good humor. Besides, Nick Nolte is great as Peter Brackett and Julia Roberts is not bad as Sabrina Peterson.

Overall, not a great movie, but certainly not as bad as they make it sound.

The attempt is there...but the results aren't even mixed

[moonspinner55 · 2/10 · 30 June 2001]

Handsomely-produced 1940s throwback has two modern-day reporters for rival Chicago newspapers both covering a train-wreck, eventually teaming up to get all the shady details. Casting Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte in the leads might've been a gamble that paid off, but the ruff-n-bitchy chemistry they try to create doesn't click, mainly because the lines in the script are so stale. The picture looks expensive, and the plot isn't a con (I suppose it is fully thought out), but who even wants to see Julia Roberts in a Tracy-Hepburn knock-off like this? And who wants to see her kissing Nick Nolte? The whole concept is, well, Troubled. *1/2 from ****

Predictable oldies imitation but OK to watch

[Angeneer · 6/10 · 18 June 2000]

Here in Greece this film was distributed under the title "Front Page Love", so I was not that horrified from the title as the first reviewer (although this annihilation of the original title is a painful story here, causing major trouble especially when you're looking for a rental at a video store and their database has only the Greek title). As a movie it is an effort to imitate old cop movies full of exchange of witty lines and intellectual face-off. The scenario and the directing is not bad, but something about the two leads spoils it. They just don't have it for such roles. Apart from that, it's a pretty enjoyable action flick.

Had potential but has big failings in the script, atmosphere and in the two stars

[bob the moo · 7 March 2004]

When a train crash happens, veteran newspaperman Peter Brackett is sent from the Tribune to cover the story despite him being a columnist. At the scene of the crash he meets the beautiful young reporter Sabrina Peterson who he tries to hit on without much success, before dismissing her as an inexperienced youth. The next morning she scoops him in the Globe, getting an angle on the story that he didn't have. This sparks a rivalry between the two journalists but, as they find out more about the story they find themselves in mortal danger and are forced to form an uneasy partnership.

In case you are film-illiterate, this film has even called a character `Thin Man' to help you realise what it is clearly aspiring to be. The fast talking, battling characters aspire to be like those in the Thin Man series. However the main problem here is that this film has none of the wit, spark or fun of that series at it's best; instead it is all a bit lifeless and flat. The plot is good but it doesn't decide to be a mystery thriller until very late in the game; the final set piece is good but, because the film had been aiming for `playful' up till that point, it just doesn't work out well and it can't just suddenly create tension out of nowhere.

The rest of the film tries to be light and witty but it doesn't manage it either. A major fault in this regard is with the script; it doesn't have any really good lines or sequences. As much as I accept that Woody Allen is not everyone's cup of tea, he would have been the perfect part of a writing team here - witty dialogue in The Thin Man style is really his thing. The other problem is with the cast. Nolte and Roberts may both be big names, but they sadly have ZERO chemistry and this is a big problem. The two have no lines and their lack of spark just makes it worse, to compare this with the Thin Man series does that a great disservice. The support cast fares a bit better and contains quite a few famous faces such as Rubinek, Rebhorn, Loggia, Dukakis, Levy, Martin Smith and Gleason. They all do OK but they can't help the failings in the script, atmosphere and in the two stars.

Overall this is just about watchable but it's hard to ignore what it clearly intended to be. It is pretty much a big failure as it fails to amuse, excite or entertain on anywhere near the level that it was aiming for.

Ridiculous, but charming loveydovey stuff between Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts. Only suited for those who wont take anything seriously and want to see a charming action romcom

[imseeg · 5/10 · 27 April 2019]

The truly ridiculous plot turns after half an hour into the movie are what made me give it 5 stars. The funny budding romance between Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts is quite charming to watch though, but the realism of this movie is all over the place, which irritated me quite a bit.

The story starts out interesting and enjoyable as well though, portraying 2 competing reporters who both want to be the best at their work. But unfortunately after half an hour or so, one after the other truly ridiculous plot turns start occuring. Only kids wouldnt mind about those plotholes. Perhaps suited as well for adults who are into silly romantic comedies, because the romance part is quite funny and charming.

enjoyable 1940s throwback

[pmcguireumc · 8/10 · 12 August 2008]

OK, once you get past the age difference of nolte and roberts, the film is enjoyable. I would have rather seen someone a little younger in Nolte's role, but other than that, i found the film enjoyable and well written. Where the film struggles however is editing. I actually think the film is about 20 minutes too long. There are a lot of traveling too and fro scenes that could have been edited out.

Where the film succeeds is the acting quality. As I said above, the age difference in the leads is distracting, the chemistry in the actors is very likable (including a nice set of guest spots in the beginning, including Robert Loggia). Many of the montages used to illustrate the developing rivalry are well done and the clues in the film are very intelligent.

Ultimately though, the best part of the movie is the fact that it is clean. A nice tribute to the tracy/hepburn days.

Opposites Attract

[gcats-1 · 7/10 · 2 January 2008]

This is a wonderfully entertaining love story, spiced up with adventure and intrigue. Nick Nolte plays the rough, tough male chauvinist while Julia Roberts charms us with her usual warm and attractive personality. The two are competing newspaper reporters who while chasing after the same headline story stumble upon a government and corporate conspiracy to conceal the truth about genetically enhanced milk producing cows. The director has beautifully combined the excitement of uncovering the conspiracy with the excitement of Nolte and Roberts falling in love. The interaction and chemistry between Nolte and Roberts is acted out superbly, never too much, never too little just enough to keep you excited with them to the very end.

Bury the leads and below the fold

[jjnxn-1 · 2/10 · 10 May 2013]

Bland and unimaginative but many films are that what really drags this down is not the lack of chemistry between the leads but the transparent loathing they have for each other. The production of this was notoriously contentious between Roberts and Nolte and their utter abhorrence is something that seeps out of every frame of the movie. Sometimes that can fuel a set and make the picture better, as it did on I Married a Witch where Veronica Lake and Fredric March's mutual animosity somehow translated into a kinetic on screen chemistry, such is not the case here however it just makes an already weak picture that much worse. A good supporting cast and decent production values aren't enough to save this turkey. It stinks!

I Love Trouble-This Trouble Hasn't Been So Good ***1/2

[edwagreen · 15 February 2010]

Had this film been made in the 1930s, William Powell and Myrna Loy certainly would have had the parts of Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts.

The film is fast paced and provides plenty of interest as 2 competing reporters vie for a major news story regarding the derailment of a rear car of a passenger train, resulting in the deaths of 5 people.

Nolte and Roberts soon discover that there is much more to this accident than anyone can believe. When they make their discovery, they are pursued by the culprits. In a very hilarious scene, the chased into a Vegas wedding chapel and wed in a quick ceremony with Nolte wearing a skull cap.

Olympia Dukakis, Marsha Mason and Robert Loggia are wasted in this film. They briefly appear and don't have exciting parts at all.

no chemistry rom-com

[SnoopyStyle · 3/10 · 10 May 2015]

Peter Brackett (Nick Nolte) is an over-confident womanizing veteran reporter on the Chicago Chronicle with a new book out. He is told to cover a train crash and is scooped by the young cub reporter Sabrina Peterson (Julia Roberts) from the rival Chicago Globe. Their professional rivalry is put on hold when a conspiracy puts them in danger and the bad guys start shooting. Their combative relationship leads them to fall in love.

The chemistry is bad and that's before I read about how Nolte and Roberts didn't get along. I actually like Julia saying that he has no chance. This would be good as a non-rom-com. The age difference is a big part of it. There is a definite ick factor involved. Second, I don't get the comedy part of rom-com. The movie has little kids getting on the train and then the train crashes. Any comedy is dead right off the bat with the possible dead kids. This could be a thrilling investigation but the movie keeps jamming the rom-com at the audience. The constant light comedic tone is horribly distracting. The two hour running time is also 30 minutes too long.

Double Trouble!

[PredragReviews · 7/10 · 13 May 2016]

This movie is a fun mystery with all the elements I enjoy - one of my favorites in a long list of good movies. The chemistry between the main characters is very good. I like that I knew the two would get together, and throughly enjoyed that their getting together was so entertaining. He said she said, was tasteless and full of junk John Hughes' style, and this one is way better than that one, even if Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins are two good actors, and it had one scene that is a memory in itself...

The main reason I like it, though, is that the idea of news reporters actually digging into a story because there is something being hidden is a nice thought. I rarely see a news story these days that I feel like they have even made any effort. They sure don't follow up with anything locally so this movie is a nice difference. I realize there were complaints by some that there was too much going on and that the story didn't follow one thing, but that's kind of the way that movies go. There was the main story being chased by two reporters that were rivals and had an obvious attraction. The "love story" is kind of behind the scenes which is better in my opinion because it is really more of an action suspense movie anyway. The humor is OK but not horrible. It is a 90's movie so you can't expect it to be as good as one from nowadays!

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Julia Roberts nude

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 5/10 · 18 December 2004]

If you're a heterosexual male, there's only one reason for seeing this movie, or any part of it. And if you're reading this comment, you probably already know what it is, from the one line summary. I did write it to get the attention of aforementioned group. If you're not in it, feel free to ignore this comment or despise me. I'm used to it. Anyway, yes, in this movie, there is one scene where Julia Roberts is, even confirmed by the trivia segment of the main site for this film, completely naked. Of course, we don't see all that much... she is against nude scenes, after all. But what we see is enough to form about as close to a complete (and realistic, mind you) mental picture of her body. Anyway, it's probably as close as we're ever going to get, anyway. About the one-hour mark in the movie, about halfway in, Roberts is bathing nude in some water. She gets up and begins to pick up her clothes, covered by Nolte whom she stands behind. Then some boy-scouts show up, and, being heterosexual males, they of course stare at the lovely Julia, and who can blame them? Anyway, after some chit-chat between Nolte and Roberts, Nick decides to be a man and let the boys have an eyeful... he walks away, leaving Roberts standing butt-naked in front of the boys. We get plenty of alluring shots of her back, legs and thighs from behind, and this sight alone is enough to please me... no need for full nude shots. This sequence is the only thing in the movie worth watching for any straight man, I'm sorry to say. Should I go through the normal routine? Why not. The plot is dull and pointless, not to mention predictable. The pacing is awful. The acting is flat. The characters are mostly stereotypes, and all paper-thin. If you are forced to watch this movie by a girl who couldn't tell a good movie if it hit her in the face, just look forward to that one scene. If it's on TV one night, just keep half an eye open for that scene. If you're able to see it on VHS or DVD for free with no obligation to see the whole thing, fast-forward or go directly to the scene. If you're not in the group that this comment refers to, then by all means see the movie. Try desperately to explain how the movie is good, or even decent. I'll gladly shoot your comments into the ground with simple reasoning. I have seen the movie a few times, and after the first time(where I payed attention) I have only seen this one scene attentively. Do I have anything against the two stars? Not at all. Do I have something against formulaic movies? Yes, but not if the movie does offer something new. Argue with me all you want, in my eyes there is nothing worth spending time on in this movie apart from that one scene, if you're a straight guy. I recommend this film only to people who don't care about quality in movies, and big fans of the actors. I do think, though, that every single straight guy in the world should see the scene I've mentioned at least once in their lifetime, unless they find Julia Roberts to be more than just a little unattractive, of course. 5/10

CHEER! - (7 stars out of 10)

[BJG-Reviews · 7/10 · 11 March 2021]

The stage curtains open ...

"I Love Trouble" starring Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte was pretty standard for how Action/Comedy films were back in the 90's, with this one featuring aspects of a good Thriller as well. Something I didn't know, until well after the fact, was that Roberts and Nolte did not like working together on this project, they just couldn't get along. If that's true, then they did a fantastic job of concealing it on the silver screen, as I felt the chemistry between them worked.

When a train derails in the Chicago area, two reporters from different newspapers are asked to cover it. Peter Brackett (Nolte) feels it is a degrading assignment, as he just wants to focus in on his newly released novel instead. However, when the very new, very ambitious competing reporter, Sabrina Peterson (Roberts) lights a fire under him by trying to out-scoop him, he becomes invested. Eventually, the two reluctantly become partners leading to the discovery of a conspiracy that reaches deeper than they initially thought.

This was a light film, with nothing too heavy, but with enough action and intrigue to keep me interested. The acting was average, good enough to help keep the plot moving forward. The ending was satisfying enough, and like I mentioned before, the chemistry between Roberts and Nolte works, even though it turned out to be one of the worst pairings behind the camera in either of their careers. There were some scenes that genuinely made me laugh (ie: the night club dancing scene), and I enjoyed the story.

Call it guilty pleasure or not, I still had fun watching "I Love Trouble". And that's really why I watch movies - to be entertained. This one does that. It's been over 25 years since the release of this movie. I have it in my own collection, and once in a great while, I throw it in if I'm in the mood for something lighthearted. I give it a 7 stars out of 10 rating.

Oh, there's trouble alright

[Mr-Fusion · 4/10 · 12 April 2023]

Every bit as bland as its title, "I Love Trouble" is a cutesy throwback to the od screwball comedies, and it might be good harmless fun with different leads. It's surprising how varied this supporting cast is, but it's the two stars that are the problem.

I hate Nick Nolte in this movie. I've never had an issue with him before, but his presence is as forced as the romance with Julia Roberts. Their age difference is just gross, but their dialog wears thin in no time.

Listen, I love journalism movies, and a love letter to newspapers is even better, but not with these people. I just can't with this movie.

Dueling reporters uncover high level criminals

[helpless_dancer · 7/10 · 30 April 2002]

Good comedy/drama about a pair of hyper-competitive news reporters who are after facts on the same story. While investigating they form an alliance to mutually solve the mystery but come under the deadly gaze of high tech thugs. Cute and amusing although unoriginal.

A pretty humorous political thriller!

[OllieSuave-007 · 8/10 · 26 November 2015]

This is another government thriller which has some captivating moments that would engage a large audience. It stars Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts as rival Chicago newspaper reporters Peter Brackett and Sabrina Peterson assigned to cover the same story involving a deliberately derailed train. They soon find themselves embroiled in a corrupt cover-up plot involving scientists and government officials.

The movie starts off a little slow when we are introduced to the reporters, who take a while to grow on you, especially Nolte's character. His somewhat crack-up personality give you a little shallow personification of him, but his character does develop more as the plot progresses on. The back and forth between Nolte and Roberts in trying to get clues and the scoop of the story first was pretty humorous, especially when Nolte literally sends Roberts on a wild-goose chase when he gives her a false tip.

The suspense builds when unknown assassins start pursuing the reporters, sending them on a chase around the state (wished Nolte and Roberts would at least show a little more scared emotion since there are people who want them eliminated). It all leads to a surprising and unpredictable climax as all the pieces of the puzzle are put together.

The corruption portion of the plot was suspenseful overall, but the subplot between Nolte and Roberts relationship was a tad awkward at times.

Grade B

It's all in the name

[JerBear-2 · 7/10 · 23 October 1998]

I think this is a perfect example of how important the title of a movie is to its box office success. This film sounded so dumb I really don't know how I ended up watching it. Maybe I thought it was a Nick and Nora Charles reprise. It was actually kinda fun, though. Which is really saying something because I'd normally rather have a root canal than sit through one of Julia Roberts' robotic performances.

A bit long

[DarthBill · 7 April 2003]

This one was okay, but a bit too long. The funniest part is actually the scene where Nick Nolte and the boyscouts find Julie Roberts skinny dipping. And isn't Nolte a bit old for Roberts here? Well, if you're looking for a contrived romantic comedy, look no further.

Intended to evoke the old newspaper movies

[smatysia · 6/10 · 12 February 2000]

Clearly intended to evoke the old newspaper movies of the '40's and '50's. Set in Chicago (of course) Even the transitions from one scene to another are right out of the old studio system films. You expect to see Gable or Bogart starring, but you get Nick Nolte. And Julia Roberts. Nolte is good, but...Roberts, as always, completely lights up the screen with her wide smile. The basis of the movie is the main characters banter, set against the plot. Banter just isn't the forte of Roberts and Nolte, who are better suited to dramatic roles. There's nothing wrong with this film, but it ends up being just OK.