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Las Vegas has never been a kind place to the unlucky. But there is a niche in it for Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy), quite possibly the unluckiest man on Earth—so unlucky, in fact, that his bad luck is contagious. While this doesn't bode well for gamblers sitting next to him, it does create a hell of an advantage for Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin), owner of the Shangri La casino.
Shelly embraces the old Vegas, when showrooms held classy acts, cheaters' kneecaps met with baseball bats, and coolers like Bernie walked the casino floor. But as good as Bernie is, he can never achieve happiness … until he meets Natalie (Maria Bello).
The Cooler is an honest love story, a welcome contrast to the predictable, fluffy romantic comedies of late. It's a high-concept gimmick movie that feels like a clever, heartfelt indie film, and it's highlighted by three excellent performances by Macy, Bello and Baldwin.
The screenplay by Frank Hannah and director Wayne Kramer is filled with clever jokes about luck and superstition, and a few unexpected plot twists.
If the story has a weakness, it is that things stay too dreary for too long. Kramer's direction adds to these feelings with harsh close-ups and grimy set design. And I have nothing against nudity, but this film has a lot of it, and it begins to feel gratuitous. When a love scene is over, there's no discernible reason to pan down to a character's pubic hair before fading to black.
But The Cooler's flaws are ultimately forgivable. It's an involving film with splendid performances from actors who should be showcased more often.
If you're tired of films for kids or about Christmas and are looking for something different, then I guess you're in luck.