Review of The Cooler (2003) by Adam G — 11 Nov 2007
I've been working my way through last year's indies, finally out on video. Today's two year-old film that nobody saw but everyone loved is The Cooler.
William H. Macy is a gambler so unlucky that Vegas uses him to cool off the hot streaks of casino patrons. Until he meets a really hot waitress at the casino who used to be a pediatrician on E.R. She loves him, his luck changes.
Almost in a different movie altogether, Alec Baldwin is the old-time mobbed up casino boss who realizes he's being turned out to pasture by the new breed of theme-park marketing men. He expresses his displeasure by savagely beating, um, everybody.
You can see why critics like this movie. The characters are haunted which reviewers mistake for depth. The scenes are quiet which reviewers mistake for thoughtfulness. Maria Bello is naked which reviewers just plain like.
But, in the end, there is a vague disconnect. Macy's and Baldwin's journeys don't quite match up. And the resolution is forced and odd.
Luck as a metaphor for surrendering to the possibilities of life - I get it. I just didn't really like it.
This review of The Cooler (2003) was written by Adam G on 11 Nov 2007.
The Cooler has generally received positive reviews.
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