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The Cooler
2003
Bernie Lootz (William H. Macey)has the worst luck in town. Unfortunately for him, that town happens to be Las Vegas. He gets hired by his old friend Shelly Kaplowitz (Alec Baldwin) to work at the Shangri-La Hotel and Casino, where his bad luck rubs off on the gamblers previously doing well at the tables. But Lootz isn't .. Read more
| Starring | William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Maria Bello, Shawn Hatosy |
|---|---|
| Director | Wayne Kramer |
| Genres | Drama |
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The Cooler
Bernie Lootz (William H. Macey)has the worst luck in town. Unfortunately for him, that town happens to be Las Vegas. He gets hired by his old friend Shelly Kaplowitz (Alec Baldwin) to work at the Shangri-La Hotel and Casino, where his bad luck rubs off on the gamblers previously doing well at the tables. But Lootz isn't actually getting paid; he owes money to Shelly, so he is merely working off his debt. Things go haywire when he meets Natalie (Maria Bello) and falls instantly in love--threatening to change his luck.
| Starring | William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Maria Bello, Shawn Hatosy, Ron Livingston, Paul Sorvino, Estella Warren |
|---|---|
| Director | Wayne Kramer |
| Studio | PALISADES TARTAN |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 38 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 04 Oct 2004 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (7)
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Most helpful member's review
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29 out of 30 people found this review helpful
Are you lucky?
I like the idea behind this film and the underlying message that luck is a consequence of inner well-being and a positive psychology. The paradox of Las Vegas is beautifully presented to us - the seeming dazzle and exhilaration of the strip against the soulless and lonely existence that many of its workers experience each day. The Cooler is one of these workers, a man employed by the Shangri La to bring bad luck to high rollers just by being himself and 'cooling' the floor. The cooler crosses paths with a waitress and an unlikely relationship develops which has dire consequences for the profit-margin of the casino. The concept that luck can be influenced and is not purely random might stick in the throats of some and the improbability of a young beautiful woman falling for an ageing looser is maybe questionable, but as they say, love works in mysterious ways. Despite the implausibility, ‘The Cooler’ comes off as believable, if only just. Alec Baldwin is fantastic as the traditionalist casino manager who resists change in the name of nostalgia. In many ways the superficial existence of Vegas life is captured best by Baldwin and shows that it runs right through the hierarchy of power, from management to floor worker. The story is predictable but still throws up a few shocking moments, and at the end of the day is an enjoyable and unique film.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Cooler hits the jackpot
A well made film that attempts to convey a message of how love can lead to rebirth, redemption and resolution.
Well known as character actor in many Coen films Macy does it again in the cooler playing a hapless loser who sleepwalks day to day until finding love awakens him and sets the film rolling.
Baldwin shines as the old hood dealing ungracefully with his decline. The film stumbles slightly in the overuse of black humour leaving the audience stuck as when to laugh or grimace but overall an excellent film. -
News and features
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Martin & Baldwin to co-host at the Oscars
- 04 Nov 2009
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will co-host the 2010 Oscars. Funnyman Martin won an Emmy Award nomination for hosting the 73rd Academy Awards and returned to take charge of the 75th event, but Baldwin has never fronted the big show. Making the announcement on Tuesday (03Nov09), new Oscar telecast producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman stated, "We think the team of Steve and Alec are the perfect pair of hosts for the Oscars. "Steve will bring the experience of having hosted the show in the... Read more
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The Cooler
Bernie Lootz (William H. Macey)has the worst luck in town. Unfortunately for him, that town happens to be Las Vegas. He gets hired by his old friend Shelly Kaplowitz (Alec Baldwin) to work at the Shangri-La Hotel and Casino, where his bad luck rubs off on the gamblers previously doing well at the ...
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