The Cooler

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The Cooler

R

Released Dec 19, 2003

1h 41m

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

174 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Truly down on his luck, lonely single guy Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) 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 (Alec Baldwin), is happy with the arrangement. But Bernie finds unexpected happiness when he begins dating attractive waitress Natalie Belisario (Maria Bello) -- and when his contentment starts to affect his job, Shelly seeks to end the relationship.

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Critics Consensus

A small movie elevated by superb performances.

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

A pointless, money-depleting waste of time to be avoided at all costs.

Rated: D

May 3, 2005

Full Review

Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

Macy wears his habitual hangdog expression like a cheap, crumpled suit that's been slept in a few too many times

Jun 16, 2004

Full Review

Marjorie Baumgarten

Austin Chronicle

A blast to watch if for nothing more than the performances.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 18, 2004

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...an exceedingly deliberate yet mostly engaging drama...

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 2, 2025

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

A romantic heart beats under the cynical shell of... Wayne Kramer’s tale of losers, gamblers, gangsters, and the unluckiest man in the world.

Apr 8, 2023

Full Review

Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

No tricks up the sleeve of director Kramer. Just good old-fashioned filmmaking. No "cooler" brushed up against The Cooler. A winning hand all around. Deal me in.

Nov 7, 2019

Full Review

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Jeremy A

Great little romantic movie. Not too much gambling but set mostly in a casino. 4*

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/17/25

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Alain E

When I tried to rewatch it I stopped after 10 minutes. Too much unrealistic elements. Baldwin cannot see that his competition is doing much better. The crooner in the beginning sings quite well but he is a Medicare age drug junky. Bello’s character for unclear reasons wants to have sex with Macy. And on and on.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/26/25

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James N

One of my all-time favorite movies. Unique and original. Old school story telling you rarely see these days.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/26/24

Full Review

Todd C

Maybe my favorite role that I have seen Alec Baldwin in. I also thought it was sell acted by Bello and Macy. The story was interesting. There were some that complained about the realness of the plot. Doesn't bother me...it is a movie. I will say that Macy seems to always play the same guy with the same expressions. Not my favorite actor for sure, but was ok in this one. It seemed beautifully made to me.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/13/23

Full Review

Tim H

I hope there's a director's cut of this film floating around because it has (SPOILER): The worst and I mean the absolute worst ending to a film I've ever seen. They get to die together that's the true ending not a drunk driver! I mean I know about America and happy endings and all but come on!

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Great movie with some twists and turns along the way. Ending hits home…

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/05/22

Full Review

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Wayne Kramer

Director

William H. Macy

Bernie Lootz

Alec Baldwin

Shelly Kaplow

Maria Bello

Natalie Belisario

Shawn Hatosy

Mikey

Ron Livingston

Larry Sokolov

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Synopsis

Truly down on his luck, lonely single guy Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) 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 (Alec Baldwin), is happy with the arrangement. But Bernie finds unexpected happiness when he begins dating attractive waitress Natalie Belisario (Maria Bello) -- and when his contentment starts to affect his job, Shelly seeks to end the relationship.

Director: Wayne Kramer
Producer: Michael A. Pierce, Sean Furst
Screenwriter: Frank Hannah, Wayne Kramer
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Visionbox Pictures, Dog Pond Films, ContentFilm, Gryphon Films, Furst Films, Pierce-Williams
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 3, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.2M
Runtime: 1h 41m

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