The Cooler
Seen it?2003 | 101 min | Romance, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (77% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. If you loved Leaving Las Vegas, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect drug use.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
77% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$10 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 77K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Wayne Kramer
- 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