Review of The Cooler (2003) by Matt G — 29 Apr 2004

[color=black][b]The Cooler[/b][/color]- This is a magnificent film that I wish I'd have caught during its theatrical release. The lighting and cinematography is striking, Alec Baldwin gives his best performance in years (and almost makes up for Pearl Harbor; ALMOST), Macy is great in his role, as is Bello. Macy and Bello give two very, very brave performances, as they are naked at least half the film. Beware the Macy balls....Anyway, the film is great, the ending sorta feels copped out and at times the film can get caught up in its subplots (the aged heroin addicted barsinger; ugh). Oh and then we can't forget the horrible casting decision of Joey Fatone; come the fuck on.....Good flick, one of the best of last year, check it out.

[b]Do The Right Thing[/b]- At first, I didn't know really what to think about the film. Do I give it a 0 or do I give it a 10? The ending really pissed me off, i've been thinking about it for the past day, and I think I realize why it had to happen. This film HAD to be made; it successfuly gives the best representation of racial tensions ever to be captured on the medium of film. The sense of community is there within the block, yet underlying feelings of hatred and bigotry are also there. Great performances all around, except from Spike; he's better behind the camera rather than in front of it. I'll give a more in depth review once it comes up on my top 100, but for now, it was just a masterpiece. Check it out, think about it, let it stir in your head, it got to me, it will get to you to you.