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The Cooler

Play trailer Poster for The Cooler R,  2003,  1h 41m,  Drama/ Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 77% 164 Reviews Tomatometer 69% 10,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
77% Tomatometer 164 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.
The Cooler

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A small movie elevated by superb performances.

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Critics Reviews

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Nick Schager Lessons of Darkness May 3, 2005
D
A pointless, money-depleting waste of time to be avoided at all costs. Go to Full Review
Wendy Ide The Times (UK) Jun 16, 2004
Macy wears his habitual hangdog expression like a cheap, crumpled suit that's been slept in a few too many times Go to Full Review
Marjorie Baumgarten Austin Chronicle Jan 18, 2004
3/5
A blast to watch if for nothing more than the performances. Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Jun 2, 2025
2.5/4
...an exceedingly deliberate yet mostly engaging drama... Go to Full Review
Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Apr 8, 2023
A romantic heart beats under the cynical shell of... Wayne Kramer’s tale of losers, gamblers, gangsters, and the unluckiest man in the world. Go to Full Review
Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Nov 7, 2019
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Anakin S Feb 22, 2019 The acting by William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, and Maria Bello was excellent, and the ending was satisfying. However, the premise of the movie, that a person can have good or bad luck as a trait, is ridiculous. I hope others also enjoy the movie for the acting, and don't start believing in palm reading, astrology, and a person's luckiness, which all seemed quite real in the film. See more
Anakin L Sep 15, 2018 This is a good little crime drama with a solid romantic angle. The cast is top knotch. Look for Paul Sorvino in a terrific bit playing an old, drug addicted crooner. 8/10 See more
Finn G Feb 24, 2018 Everything about this movie is halfway. The premise of a guy with bad luck being a casino cooler is halfway. The corny saxophone music is halfway. The chemistry between William H. Macy and Maria Bello is halfway. The dialogue is halfway. The humor is halfway. The drama is halfway. There's really no other way to put it. Hence, two and a half stars. See more
Theodore W Jan 21, 2018 Alec Baldwin's best movie. Whatever happened to Maria Bello?
Han R Dec 24, 2017 Kind of disappointing considering the premise and talent
Ron W Apr 11, 2017 Movie about a perpetual loser who finds love when he is setup with a cocktail waitress. Kind of a magical movie because you have to believe that love is ultimately what makes you rich in money and happiness. I enjoyed it a lot. The score of the movie is awesome. The acting incredible. One of my all time favorite movies. See more
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The Cooler

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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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

Movie Clips

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The Cooler

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The Cooler

The Cooler (2003) The Cooler (2003) Maria Bello in The Cooler Alec Baldwin and William H. Macy in The Cooler View more photos

Movie Info

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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