Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

The Cooler
2003
***
Director: Wayne Kramer
Cast: William H. Macy, Maria Bello, Alec Baldwin, Shawn Hatosy, Ron Livingston

William H. Macy is perfectly cast as a sadsack whose mere presence brings bad luck to the gamblers in a Las Vegas casino. His fortunes begin to improve when he falls in love, which is not good news to his boss, an old-time thug who doesn't welcome change (fiercely played by Alec Baldwin). The film is an entertaining if a bit uncomfortable mix of sweet romance and graphic violence. The final scene is incredibly stupid, though.