An unexpectedly poignant drama that gets the peiod details, particularly the stuff about race relations, just right. Michelle Pfeiffer and Dennis Haysbert are great together.
A silly romantic comedy with a ridiculous premise, but this one is elevated by Hugh Jackman, looking dashing as ever and portraying a lovely old-fashioned gentleman whom every woman secretly wants to fall in love with.
The 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 Alec Baldwin plays himself, as usual, and is unappealing as ever, storming around menacingly as an outdated casino owner. William H. Macy and Maria Bello more than make up for it however, as the casino's star "cooler," who brings bad luck to players on a hot streak, and as the cocktail waitress he falls in love with, who has a few secrets of her own.
Fun stoner comedy that has more than it's share of moments that are funny even when sober. Some stupid gross-out jokes to be expected, but it also portrays a touching friendship and even hits on a few more serious notes, like themes of racism (but makes light of it all in the end). Best moments: the mix tape and Doogie Howser.