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Fool's Gold

Fool's Gold

This February true love takes a dive.

2008112 minPG-13Midcredits score: 30th percentile of all films
Director
Andy Tennant
Starring
Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Alexis Dziena

Treasure hunter Ben "Finn" Finnegan has sunk his marriage to Tess and his trusty boat in his obsessive quest to find the legendary Queen's Dowry. When he finds a vital clue that may finally pinpoint the treasure's whereabouts, he drags Tess and her boss, billionaire Nigel Honeycutt, along on the hunt. But Finn is not the only one interested in the gold; his former mentor-turned-enemy Moe Fitch, hired by rapper-turned-gangster Bigg Bunny, will stop at nothing to beat him to it.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Fool's Gold?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Fool's Gold streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Subscription

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Fool's Gold?

Fool's Gold earns 5 badges, led by Before they were famous and Feel-good.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Fool's Gold worth watching?

Fool's Gold's Midcredits score is the 30th percentile of all films, from 175K ratings across 6 sources. 35% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

30th percentile

Better received than 30% of films

45th percentile among Action30th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)32nd
Approval (how many liked it)30th

56 /100

32nd percentile of all films

47th percentile among Action32nd percentile among 2000s

Critics 29 · Audience 58

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.9 — solid but not unanimous.

35% liked it

30th percentile of all films

45th percentile among Action28th percentile among 2000s
35% rated it 7–1065% rated it 1–6

Critics 11% · Audience 48%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 5 noms overall

96th percentile

175K ratings across platforms

93rd percentile among Action93rd percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 32% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$70M
Opening weekend$22M
Domestic gross$70M
Worldwide gross$111M

Returned 1.6× its budget — 86th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a light, silly, predictable, and visually pleasant treasure-hunt romp that doesn't aim to be deep or award-worthy.

Fans praised

  • scenery and photography are beautiful and transporting
  • leads have genuine chemistry and work well together
  • light-hearted, fun escapist entertainment

Detractors panned

  • script is insipid with long-winded, tedious expository dialogue
  • humor falls flat with poor comedic timing and unfunny slapstick
  • convoluted plot that can't decide between comedy and action

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive75

gorgeous tropical scenery, beautiful underwater shots; detractors note fake locations

ActingDivisive60

leads have chemistry but supporters say performances are adequate; detractors cite overacting and bad accents

CharactersDivisive35

stock, one-dimensional caricatures; Gemma character widely called annoying and pointless

Plot and storyDivisive30

convoluted, predictable, and lacking coherence; too much exposition

HumorDivisive30

mostly slapstick and dumb-girl jokes; fans find some genuine laughs, detractors call unfunny

PacingDivisive30

starts slow, drags with expository scenes; some fans find it moves well enough

DialogueDivisive25

insipid, long-winded, lacking wit; some fans note occasional funny lines

Originality15

derivative of National Treasure, Sahara, Romancing the Stone, and The Deep

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Fool's Gold like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It never lets up, has a few laughs and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingJoyfulRomantic
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film approaches its adventure and romance with a light, playful spirit, never taking itself seriously but still rooting for the characters.
The rideThe film maintains a lively, adventurous energy with moments of mild peril and romantic tension, peaking in the middle as the treasure hunt intensifies.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically with a clear setup, conflict, and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves the viewer smiling and satisfied, with a light, escapist glow.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Quest
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% (this title) · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Treasure hunt: Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeFinn and Tess hunt for a sunken Spanish treasure, competing against a gangster and a rival treasure hunter.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% (this title) · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsGreed · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Finn's quest to win back his ex-wife Tess while they rediscover their partnership and love during a shared treasure hunt.
StanceThe film celebrates the rekindling of romance and the thrill of adventure, presenting the treasure hunt as a device for reconciliation and fun rather than a serious critique.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanStylized realism
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · George Fenton
SettingThe Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and the open ocean, with a luxury yacht and underwater locales.
MusicThe score likely underscores the adventurous and romantic tones of the film.

Content guide

Is Fool's Gold okay for kids?

PG-13

Fool's Gold is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for action violence, some sexual material, brief nudity and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (49/100), sexual content at moderate (50/100), language at moderate (57/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (42/100) and frightening material at moderate (38/100). Overall it is heavier than 68% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12
  • JapanPG12
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Austria12
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark11
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • Spain7
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 42% of all filmsHeavier than 68% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 53%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 90%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 84%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 84%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 39%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 84% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Fool's Gold have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Fool's Gold?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Matthew McConaughey
as Finn
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kate Hudson
as Tess
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Donald Sutherland
as Nigel Honeycutt
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alexis Dziena
as Gemma Honeycutt
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Ewen Bremner
as Alfonz
Ray Winstone
as Moe Fitch
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Kevin Hart
as Bigg Bunny
newcomer then · star now
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
as Cordell
Brian Hooks
as Curtis
David Roberts
as Cyrus
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Fool's Gold?

Movies like Fool's Gold include Into the Blue (2005), The Bounty Hunter (2010) and After the Sunset (2004). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by Andy Tennant, and several are treasure hunt stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its subject: romantic love. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Fool's Gold?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: adventurer. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.