Brrrrrrrr...

Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. Please take your seat and fasten your seat belt. Make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position.-We were off to Las Vegas. Our in flight movie will be The Cooler. The only difference is that unlike the statement "What happens in Vegas-Stays in Vegas", will not apply when this particular film is viewed.

In the present state of Las Vegas with it's flare for over stimulation, the Shangri-La Casino is a throw back to the bygone era of mob connections, connected employees, big losses and even bigger wins. This is where we start.

Two friends who've been conjoined through misdeeds find themselves at a proverbial cross road. One has the chance to leave and reinvent himself, while the other is too reluctant to change for the better. While biding his final days, the unlucky Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) wishes to move into his future without any missteps. His long time friend Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin) is determined to keep him on the casino's private accounts no matter what the cost. This perpetual game of tug-o-war fuels a love affair that will not only unravel Bernie and Shelly's long time association, but dissect the true meaning of their relationship and change the course of Bernie's luck.

Shot with very little sunlit scenes, this film conveys a feel like one perpetual day. There seems to be no difference between day or night, just the sequence of moving from one point to another while encapsulated by a never dissolving fog. The score also maintains the Las Vegas of old with it's soft jazz blown across reeds and though brass to form melancholy tones. While this mood is set, we find ourselves rooting for the underdog, feel sadness for the losses, disappointment for the betrayals, joy for the achievements...and lucky to have seen it all.

Not a film to be missed, William H. Macy is a force to behold in frames. Macy convincinly plays Bernie with out a hint of any of the other roles that he's been in before. There's no need for make up and his phisical stature seems to change with every role also.  For me-He ranks among some of the best actors to grace a stage. Mr. Macy takes his place with some of the best chameleon actors in the biz like; John Turturro, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sam Rockwell, Gary Oldman and Tom Hanks.

I'm reminded of films like; Casino and Leaving Las Vegas when I see this one. If you like those, give this one a go.

This one gets 7 out of 10 chips...But I'd have no problem doubling down on it. 

Either way, you'll have to make the "call".