Alec Baldwin, Arthur J. Nascarella, Don Scribner
The Cooler is Bernie Lootz, a loser who has made his career out of his contagious bad luck. The Cooler plies his trade, working on the floor of Las Vegas' aging Shangri-La casino, an old-school "gambl...( read more
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DVD Release Date: April 27, 2004
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Stats: 722 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (722)
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September 29, 2009A very stylish, intelligent and cool film. I found the beginning sequence of the demolition of classic casinos extremely moving and I?ve never even been to Vagas! Recommended!
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April 18, 2009I can't help but say the name of this film like the German's in the great escape.
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April 16, 2009A "cooler" is a guy who stands next to you in a casino when you are having a winning streak that is suddenly interrupted. It is someone who has such a bad luck that people around him are influenced; he could be pretty important for casino bosses. The cooler here is Bernie and the...( read more)
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November 13, 2008"When your life depends on losing... the last thing you need is lady luck."
Writer/director Wayne Kramer offers a glimpse into the aging Las Vegas casino world with the romantic drama The Cooler. Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) is extremely unlucky at gambling, and he owes...( read more) -
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November 11, 2009The Cooler is one of those old-fashioned Vegas movies that brings out the darkest the city has to offer, literally. The lighting and production design take cues from the story, featuring three characters each fighting their own set of demons. Alec Baldwin plays himself, as usual,...( read more)
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October 27, 2009Original movie. Great acting by Macy, Baldwin and Bello especially. The kind of stuff I like, because its different and entertaining.
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June 18, 2009Exceptional drama/comedy with fine performances from Baldwin, Macy and Bello. Recommended.
Critic Reviews
May 3, 2005
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
December 19, 2003
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
While it does occasionally shortchange its characters, it provides plenty of moments for the actors to shine. full review
December 19, 2003
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The Cooler is old-fashioned in the way the Shangri-La is old-fashioned, and I mean that as a compliment. This is a movie without gimmicks, hooks or flashy slickness. full review
December 19, 2003
Ty Burr, Boston Globe
The Cooler is as much of a con as Vegas itself; that's the source of its charm. full review
December 18, 2003
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
Small-scale moviemaking about small-scale lives. But it's big in all the right ways. full review
November 29, 2003
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
William H. Macy and Maria Bello shine in a terrific -- and surprisingly sexy -- tale of a Vegas loser whose luck begins to turn. full review
November 25, 2003
A.O. Scott, The New York Times
This picture is rescued from cliche by the quality of the acting, and Mr. Kramer wisely gives the actors room to work. full review
November 20, 2003
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
From James Whitaker's seductive camerawork to Mark Isham's lush score, The Cooler places all the smart bets and hits the jackpot. full review
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