Synopsis
Bernie works at a Las Vegas casino, where he uses his innate ability to bring about misfortune in those around him to jinx gamblers into losing. His imposing boss, Shelly Kaplow, is happy with the arrangement. But Bernie finds unexpected happiness when he begins dating attractive waitress Natalie Belisario.
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Cast
- William H. MacyBernie Lootz
- Alec BaldwinShelly Kaplow
- Maria BelloNatalie Belisario
- Shawn HatosyMikey
- Ron LivingstonLarry Sokolov
- Paul SorvinoBuddy Stafford
- Estella WarrenCharlene
- Arthur J. NascarellaNicky Fingers Bonnatto
- Joey FatoneJohnny Cappella
- M.C. GaineyHighway Officer
Recommendations
- 90
Variety
Wayne Kramer's sexy and often humorous feature directorial debut surrounds its sweet center with the energy, flash and risk of the gambling capital. Sterling performances by William H. Macy and Maria Bello as the long-shot lovers and Alec Baldwin as a temperamental casino operator. - 90
The Hollywood Reporter
A refreshing throwback to another era of moviemaking: This movie was poured from the bottle, not one of those bar regulator machines. It's got the kick, style and flavor of a straight-up story, before movies were watered down with the opinions of marketers, lawyers and committee heads. - 88
Rolling Stone
Wayne Kramer, who co-wrote the scrappy script with Frank Hannah, makes a potent directing debut and strikes gold with the cast. - 80
Los Angeles Times
Director Wayne Kramer and co-writer Frank Hannah pull off a sleight-of-hand trick here, playing a gritty surface reality against dark Vegas mythology and getting away with it through a combination of shrewd, witty characterization and sure-footed storytelling skills. - 75
Premiere
Driving the plot, Baldwin gives an inexorable, career-marking performance. - 75
ReelViews
The best part of the film, unsurprisingly, is William H. Macy's low-key portrayal of Bernie. - 75
Entertainment Weekly
A lot of fun early in the evening, when the Rat Pack ambiance is novel, but gets bleary by 4 a.m. in the story. - 70
Film Threat
Has the intangible and distinctive feel of a movie from a different era. Which just adds to this fine film's mystique, providing yet another reason why The Cooler hits the jackpot.
