November 30, 2003
Brrr - The Cooler
Maria Bello and William H. Macy in The Cooler.
Friday night, I ventured out in the rain to watch The Cooler, William H. Macy's latest movie. Macy stars as Bernie Lootz, a casino cooler, a man with such bad luck that he turns a hot player or hot table cold instantaneously. His gambling debts leads him to work for his friend and casino owner Shelly Kaplow, played by Alec Baldwin. Lootz's luck changes when he meets Natalie, a cocktail waitress, played by Maria Bello. With Natalie, "lady luck" is suddenly on Bernie's side and he turns everything into a winner.
I enjoyed the movie, but I can't say that it was amazing or anything. I can say that, as always, William H. Macy turned in a solid performance. Ron Livingston is also in the movie, which is a plus, and there is nudity from Maria (also a plus) and William (not a plus in my book). The movie seemed a bit slow, but what do you expect from this strange love story. Overall, a decent movie, but I'm not sure the movie is worth $10 (or whatever it is where you live). It would be an entertaining rental though.
Posted by tien mao in Movies at 4:35 PM
Just randomly throwing this out there:
Saw a Ron Livingston film I'd never seen or heard of the other day, "Two Ninas." Slightly more than mildly entertaining, probably worth checking out if you haven't seen it and enjoy his other work.
Posted by: Joe at November 30, 2003 10:08 PM
oooh, ron livingston and amanda peet?!? it's now on my netflix queue (see the right side of the main page).
Posted by: tien at November 30, 2003 10:13 PM
Two Ninas is not very good, but it was shot in NY.
Posted by: Jen at December 1, 2003 9:48 AM
another plus as far as i'm concerned. ron livingston, amanda peet, and nyc. how can i go wrong?
bad movies are fun to watch now and again, that's the beauty of netflix.
Posted by: tien at December 1, 2003 9:53 AM
Yes, it surely isn't award winning film, but something to see just once most likely. Plus, since it is virtually all about Livingston (given he is the main guy), if you've liked his other work you'll at least enjoy his acting in it. It's all rather predictable, but still an interesting watch nonetheless. As another plus, it was somewhat of an indie flick (at least I know I caught it on the independent film channel IFC when I first saw it), so you can "wow" people by telling them you saw this interesting indie flick with Livingston in it. ;)
Posted by: Joe at December 1, 2003 1:46 PM
joe/jen - the line of the movie, "coolness begins and ends with barry white." also, i discovered that i've seen half of two ninas.
i must say though, that for the most part, the movie seems like a pretty accurate portrayal of new york. i identify with his apartment and i love the "M" on his wall.
and amanda peet is sooo hot. oh, and a bonus, jill hennessy is in the movie.
Posted by: tien at December 12, 2003 12:18 AM
Glad you got some enjoyment from it.
I'm going to guess you caught all his work in the Band of Brothers series from HBO? Livingston was great in that as well...
Posted by: Joe at December 12, 2003 1:24 AM
actually joe, i didn't watch much of that at all. i couldn't commit myself to watching all those episodes. maybe i'll rent the dvds.
Posted by: tien at December 12, 2003 1:34 AM
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tien: actually joe, i didn't watch much of that at all. i couldn't commit myself to w... {read on}
Joe: Glad you got some enjoyment from it. I'm going to guess you caught all his work... {read on}
tien: joe/jen - the line of the movie, "coolness begins and ends with barry white." a... {read on}
Joe: Yes, it surely isn't award winning film, but something to see just once most lik... {read on}
tien: another plus as far as i'm concerned. ron livingston, amanda peet, and nyc. ho... {read on}
Jen: Two Ninas is not very good, but it was shot in NY.... {read on}
tien: oooh, ron livingston and amanda peet?!? it's now on my netflix queue (see the r... {read on}
Joe: Just randomly throwing this out there: Saw a Ron Livingston film I'd never seen... {read on}