Review of The Cooler (2003) by Jonathan G — 09 Oct 2007

An interesting premise with one sly foot in metaphorical fantasy, William H Macy plays Bernie, a loser who inspires bad luck in all around him. In his last week working for casino owner Shelly (Alec Baldwin) stacking the odds in favour of the house, Bernie meets Natalie (Maria Bello) a cocktail waitress with a knack for astronomy.

As Bernie and Natalie connect, things begin to change, much to Shelly's discomfort. To add insult to injury, cocky new blood Larry (Ron Livingstone) is trying to turn Shelly's casino into a modern resort.

With blistering performances (Alec Badlwin deserved an Oscar, although the odds were not on his side) and some snappy direction from Wayne Kramer (Running Scared), The Cooler is certainly a sleeper. Ask anyone about it however, and the odds are they won't have heard of it.

Shame. William H Macy is on fine form, if a little uncomfortable with some of the dialogue (the slang doesn't really roll off his tongue). Baldwin plays his character with sympathy, never sneering or trying to be a bad guy.

He truly believes that he has no other choice in the decisions he makes. Also, look out for a small but effective appearance from Paul Sorvino. An under appreciated movie. Recommended.