Review: The Cooler

There’s a certain kookiness behind The Cooler and its half hidden puns scattered throughout its 100 minute run time that made me write this review. Lady Luck may have had her own role in making the movie since every single one of them work. That’s just one of the many niche things that go into making The Cooler an enjoyable movie. But here I am, talking like it’s one of those pleasant feel good movies when in reality; it only finds itself ending like one.

In the middle of the Nevada desert is a “paradise” and for Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) that paradise resides anywhere but the Shangri-La casino. Bernie is known as the most unlucky individual currently working at the casino and so his job as the cooler is more than fitting. His job consists of going from table to table making those big shooters turn into big time losers, merely by being present. He’s been forced to work at the casino by long time “friend” Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin), in order to repay his debt for curing his gambling habit. The “cure” in this case is a little less endearing than cough medicine.

Part of the fun in watching The Cooler is seeing Bernie Lootz develop. He starts out as the unluckiest man alive but slowly his luck changes for the better. These changes occur through the smallest of ways. At the beginning of the movie Bernie can barely get cream in his coffee, let alone a woman in his bed. To a large degree this changes once he meets Natalie (Maria Bello) whose main goal is to show Bernie that his life isn’t as bad as he thinks. Suddenly Bernie isn’t the losing machine he once was, which definitely doesn’t put Natalie on Shelly’s good side.

There are two main differences between The Cooler and your typical love story. First, the jokes are genuinely funny without ever stepping into a relationship perspective that often riddles movies like What Happens in Vegas. Secondly, The Cooler has a very dark overtone that is particularly refreshing when it comes to love stories. The Cooler is to romantic comedies, as Persepolis is to animated movies. Both have a distinct way of twisting what is normally expected from each genre and then capitalizing on it. For example, director Wayne Kramer isn’t afraid to beat up his leading lady without making her look like a weak individual (in regards to her character, not her strength.)

William H. Macy leads a wonderfully casted project and nails the performance. Maria Bello also did a great job; it still puzzles me how she hasn’t received the same type of attention as other actresses in her position (edit: this excludes the fact that she joined the cast on the Third Mummy movie.) However, Ron Livingston didn’t seem to fit the bill quite like the others. Maybe that’s because his face just makes me remember Office Space every time I see it.

Alec Baldwin, however, is the main attraction. As of late he’s had some really great roles drop into his lap. The Cooler, along with The Departed, are just a few notable entries. His acting really shines a light onto his character. You develop a good sense when Shelly’s heart is telling him to do one thing but his pocket book has a different idea altogether. All in all it makes for a great performance.

I wouldn’t call myself an expert on what makes a really good picture by any means but I know this was definitely on the right track. The Cooler has components that make it both lighthearted and jarring, an effective one, two combo. Plus, who can resist seeing William H. Macy win the jackpot for once?