But maybe this disappointment has to do with expectations. For example, I though this movie would provide greater insight into the mind of a gambler and the way a casino operates, but it doesn't; on the contrary, it seems to be propelled by the outdated notion that all casino bosses are gangsters and killers. The trailer also makes it look relatively lighthearted, but it has some bursts of violence that are both disturbing and unnecessary. Stylistically, with one exception (the scene where Baldwin "x-rays" the hand of an unusually lucky guy), "The Cooler' plays like an R-rated TV movie. The basic idea is clever, but the plot doesn't do much with it: first Macy is unlucky, then he gets lucky, then unlucky again, then lucky, and so forth. Although Macy and Bello must be one of the most unlikely erotic pairings in recent memory, they are otherwise well-cast in their roles; Baldwin gives the film edge, and deserved his Oscar nomination and other awards for this role. ** out of 4.

Wayne Kramer's "The Cooler" stars William H. Macy as Bernie, a perpetually down on his luck sad-face who lives in a rundown Las Vegas motel and works for Casino boss Shelly Kaplow, played by a scenery chewing Alec Baldwin. Bernie's job? He's a cooler, a poor schmuck whose luck is so bad he causes people at gambling tables to immediately lose their own luck. In other words, Bernie literally "cools" tables down, promptly killing hot winning streaks.The film's first half plays like a 1940's film noir, complete with likable losers, barflys, lonely waitresses, small time crooks, con-men and flea-bitten gamblers desperate to "get out of town". The film's second half, however, makes a rather odd shift, and begins to believe wholeheartedly in Bernie's metaphysical powers. From here on the film becomes a seedy fairy tale, Bernie's "luck" aligned to his libido, his sex drive, his wounded masculinity, which begins to repair itself when he falls in love with Natalie Belisario (Maria Bellow), a cocktail waitress. As Bernie's ego is rebuilt, casino boss Shelly Kaplow's is eroded, dice rolls, fate and lady luck conspiring to rob Kaplow of his phallus even as they pump Bernie's full of blood. Kramer then makes the film's casinos and hotels as much a character as Kaplow and Bernie; the shape and fate of this Vegas architecture seems to change as they do. The film closes with documentary footage of casinos being demolished, the buildings neutered as Bernie leaves town.A character-driven picture, the film is somewhat refreshing in cinema's current climate. Kramer lets his actors carry the show, shoots unconventionally "genuine" and "warm" sex scenes, knows how to use and play with convention, and keeps the interplay between his cast members fresh. His characters may all be raging archetypes – the limping loser, the down on her luck showgirl, the mob boss, the fading star – but they're well sketched. Macy in particular is very likable, with his sad eyes and forlorn face; a live action version of Tex Avery's Droopy Dog. He's made a career out of playing losers, but here we get to see him smile. To win the loot, the girl and live happily ever after. The film embraces its fairy tale aspects. It's a Disney movie for the Scorsese crowd."The Cooler's" cinematographer was James Whitaker, who treats us to a palette of dark reds, neon lights and muted shadows. Bernie's associated with vomit inducing greens and nauseating colours, until his luck changes, his clothes tighten and his spine straightens. The film's jazzy, mournful score recalls classic noirs; Miles Davis on a rainy day, or Bogart after a case of STDs. Many will find "The Cooler's" metaphysics annoying, but gambling, and Vegas itself, is a metaphysical game; the gambling man tinkers with chance and pretence. He is bold and timid at the same time, hoping to inform the unformed future. But the film doesn't necessarily imply that Bernie literally "influences the future", be this a negative or positive influence, only that everyone believes that he does. Gambling itself is largely influenced by blind faith, and near superstitious belief.8.5/10 – Worth one viewing.

The title suggested something to do with prison or something to me, but I definitely knew who the leading star of the film was, and that was good enough for me to decide to watch it. Basically Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) is the unluckiest schmuck in Las Vegas, his bad luck is contagious and spreads to anyone he around playing in casinos. Ruthless casino manager Shelly Kaplow (Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Alec Baldwin) uses to this to his advantage by hiring Bernie as "the cooler", to hang around high rollers and make sure they lose to make a good profit. This run of bad luck spreading to others is due to change though when Bernie meets cocktail waitress Natalie Belisario (A History of Violence's Golden Globe nominated Maria Bello), and the two of them get very close. As their love becomes stronger, suddenly Bernie's luck has turned, and instead of his contagious bad luck being spread, more people are becoming winners in the casino, Natalie is obviously "lady luck". Shelley of course isn't happy with this, and he takes drastic action to try and keep the two apart so the good luck doesn't continue in his establishment, but Bernie isn't going to let go the one thing he truly loves. So after quitting as "the cooler", Bernie decides after seeing Natalie's injured face and finding out some truths, to take advantage of his newfound good luck in Shelley's casino. At first Shelley becomes the new "cooler" making Bernie lose some big bucks, but then he takes the big gamble that could ultimately bring down Shelley and his business, and he is successful. Bernie and Natalie drive off with a big fortune to take them all the way, and after a quick run of bad luck involving a gun threatening Highway Officer (Lost's M.C. Gainey), they drive away happily ever after. Also starring Shawn Hatosy as Mikey, Band of Brothers' Ron Livingston as Larry Sokolov, Dick Tracy's Paul Sorvino as Buddy Stafford, Kangaroo Jack's Estella Warren as Charlene, Arthur J. Nascarella as Nicky 'Fingers' Bonnatto and Ellen Greene as Doris. Macy is fantastic as the loser finding true love and his luck change for the greater good, Bello is really good as his luck bringing love interest, and Baldwin is great as the greedy and easily angered boss. This film obviously isn't a film made for a lot of money, and it has a simple story, but that is what makes it a believable and splendid romantic drama. Very good!

This movie has a great soundtrack and even better acting. Still, it probably falls in the love it or hate it category. Some might criticize the film for being too formulaic, or for the improbability of the plot line. I would wager a pretty tall stack of chips that those people also identify with the new Casino management, as opposed to Baldwin's character. I mean, come on, the whole film is primarily about luck, with some true love thrown in for good measure. Not exactly topics that lend themselves to the scientific method of analysis. To me, the whole thing just works. Even better, it is one of the most uplifting movies I have seen in years, in a dark, sleazy, corny, sort of way. Don't analyze it, just sit back and enjoy the ride. Who knows, you may be feeling lucky when the the credits roll.