Review of The Cooler (2003) by Michelle . — 08 Jan 2004
"The Cooler" is a wonderful little film, and though it has some minor flaws, it is a both a fun and uplifting ride. About Bernie Lootz, a gullible guy who is the most unlucky guy in the world, and that is his job.
He works for the Shangrila Casino, as a "Cooler", a sort of mythic figure who can chance any table or slot machine with terrible luck, when a player is racking in too much dough. The casino is owned by Shelley (played to a tee by Alec Baldwin), who Bernie is indebted to.
Bernie pretty much succumbs to his fate until he meets Natalie (the wonderful Maria Bello in a break-out performance), who changes his luck completely when he falls in love with her. This film is an alegory about the old vs.
the new. As the film quotes "The old male lion versus the young male lion who has much more stamina. The old lion gets his ass kicked but still refuses to to give in." It's about old Vegas versus the new flashy "Epcot center" Vegas.
The old school mob versus the new businessmen. This film is a true gem filled with unique characters who must change to survive, or they will be swallowed by the jungle.
This review of The Cooler (2003) was written by Michelle . on 08 Jan 2004.
The Cooler has generally received positive reviews.
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