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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 | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 04 Oct 2004 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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Is luck a product of fate or psychology? That's the question posed in director Wayne Kramer's wonderfully quirky film, in which unlucky William H Macy is employed by casino manager Alec Baldwin (a deservedly Oscar-nominated performance) for his knack of making high rollers lose, simply by his presence. But when he falls in love with waitress Maria Bello, Macy's “cooling” abilities subside and Baldwin does everything he can to split them up. By turns a tender love story about two lost souls finding their perfect match, a lament for the fading glamour of Rat Pack-era Las Vegas and a vaguely mystical parable about chance and destiny, this sexually frank tale is consistently smart, amusing and intriguing. Yet it's the poignantly low-key, utterly believable and well-written romance between the brilliant Macy and Bello — who's a revelation here — that drives the drama, hitting the jackpot time and again.
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Astringent comedy about two losers finding themselves amid the hectic, violent world of big-time gambling; the leading performances hit the jackpot.
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Most helpful member's review
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31 out of 32 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
nothing special
I was eager to see this film, but found it to be a big let down. It was not completely dire but when there are far better films about Vegas already about, and the cooler having a story that seemed so unlikely that you feel more for the villain of the story than the unlikely hero it does disappoint. I'd recommend Leaving Las Vegas over this as its a far superior film in every aspect.
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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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