The Cooler

If this film works to such an extent that it receives a decent number of four-star ratings and sympathetic reviews, it is primarily thanks to the casting of the main characters, who are both excellently selected in terms of type and perform well. Maria Bello is not only charming but also likable, and William H. Macy is an ideal representative of similar unfortunates who resignedly face the adversity of fate. In fact, he only needs to display his usual tormented faces and timid smiles and not overact, as happened in several cases. However, what brings the film down to below average for me is the screenplay, which both relies on ridiculous motifs of gambling myths and brings forth a generally implausible story with peculiar characters. The casino boss played by Alec Baldwin is neither well-acted, nor well-written, and doesn't even come close to the charisma of the same role portrayed by Robert de Niro in Casino. I would rather watch a purely mysterious film like Intact than a similar mishmash ending with a scene that is completely beyond the usual standards in terms of probability. Overall impression: 45%. If you want to see a good film from this genre, watch the aforementioned Casino or Croupier. (18.11.2010)

A pretty, old school movie about a Casino, purposefully done in an old school way. Slow tempo, great acting, especially the excellent Alec Baldwin who was rightfully nominated for a great many awards for his role of casino boss sticking to traditions. Despite this he doesn’t stick out, because Macy is excellent too as always whose role of an eternally depressed failure fits him as a glove. It’s all pretty similar to some older pictures, so no surprises anywhere, but it all works excellently. You just have to get used to the intentionally slow pace, which isn’t a problem in view of the catchy story and “just right" atmosphere. (06.07.2004)

Man, if only he hadn't told her: "Look in my eyes, I am the only mirror you're ever gonna need." I'd give it 3 stars. But with that simple sentence, the movie was buried for me. But other than that, let's just say it was okay. I guess I just resent the idea that the movie is based on an unlucky person whose bad luck follows him, and then all of a sudden stops just because the person in question fell in love. The performances aren't bad, the film just doesn't sit well with me. (07.09.2010)