Moola

Moola is a 2007 film written and directed by Don Most. Primarily a drama, it is also laced with elements of comedy and family-oriented themes that make it a marvelously entertaining watch. The movie boasts a versatile cast, with performances by William Mapother, Treat Williams, Charlotte Ross among many others, that beautifully bring the story and their respective characters to life.

Moola tells the tale of a small-town family-run business that soon burgeons into a multimillion-dollar corporation, grapples with the dizzying highs and calamitous lows of what appears to be a sudden and unexpected journey into colossal affluence. The movie examines how individuals, relationships, and families change, sometimes irrecoverably, when confronted with the transformative power of money in a capitalist society.

William Mapother, best known for his role in the TV series ‘Lost,’ plays Steve, the ambitious and charismatic protagonist of Moola. Steve is an ordinary man with a mundane life who helps run the family business of selling a new product that keeps bugs off windshields. He has big dreams for his product 'No More Bugs', but struggles to find the necessary funding. When his longtime friend, Harry, played by Daniel Baldwin, introduces him to a potential investor, Smitty, played by Treat Williams, Steve sees an opportunity he must seize. He believes that with Smitty's funding, his product will climb up the success ladder. His dream for 'No More Bugs' could finally turn into reality.

'Everwood' star, Treat Williams, delivers an exuberant performance as the ruthless yet gregarious venture capitalist, Smitty. He breathes life into his character, perfectly balancing the sharp wit and cold-blooded practicality necessary for the role. His budding bond with Steve quickly turns into a strong business partnership that fuels the storyline of the film. The power dynamics between these two characters, portrayed magnificently by Mapother and Williams, provide an in-depth look into the realities of corporate America.

Charlotte Ross, of 'NYPD Blue' fame, plays Nora, Steve’s loving and supportive wife, who remains his rock despite the trials and tribulations they must endure throughout their journey. Nora shines as a beacon of hope and love, reminding Steve and the audience that the joys and warmth of a loving family and friend circle cannot be monetized or bought.

Don Most skillfully weaves a tale of ambition, dreams, relationships, and the unpredictable nature of fortune in Moola. It perfectly encapsulates the American Dream narrative with a distinct, heart-warming approach, revealing how sudden wealth can alter a person's beliefs, relationships, values, and above all, persona.

The film provides the audience with an engaging exploration of how unexpected wealth can impact simple, small-town lives, ultimately turning them upside down. Moola encapsulates this roller-coaster journey from rags to riches and back to rags in an emotionally stirring yet humorous narrative that invariably keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

However, Moola does not just revel in the drama that wealth brings to human lives; it also intermittently adds doses of humor that perfectly balance the serious undertone of its storyline. The comic relief is artfully intertwined with the drama, resulting in a cohesive storyline that doesn’t fail to entertain.

Ultimately, Moola is an enchanting cinematic journey filled with laughter, drama, heartbreak, and an overflow of human emotion, carried through by compelling performances from its extraordinary cast. It serves as a wake-up call, reminding viewers of the venerable maxim, "money isn't everything." Whether you're looking for a drama, a comedy, or a bit of both, Moola remains a must-watch. It is a relatable tale about the American Dream, love, friendship, personality transformation, and the price of wealth, providing a thought-provoking yet enjoyable viewing experience.