In first starring role, Macy is likable as usual but is overshadowed by Baldwin's Oscar-nominated performance as the blustery casino owner. The script is weak and unconvincing; it seems to wander initially but gets better later. Some of the plot points seem preposterous initially (beautiful Bello falling for Macy, Macy happening to run into his son at a restaurant) but make some sense later. The whole concept of Macy being good/bad luck charm is silly and some of the dialog is pedestrian. The direction is gimmicky (use of slow motion, x-ray view of dice in hand) and the violence is jarring. Still worth a look for Baldwin's performance and you do get to see Bello naked!
Review of The Cooler
