IvanF's Cut and Paste, No-Name Theatrical Review of
Be Cool 2005

- IvanFian written March 7th, 2005 -

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- Commentary from a friend -

"Well, I just saw "Be Cool" tonight at 8:05pm...and to be honest, the film wasn't bad...it was actually quite good. I have to say that this is probably the third film in about 4 months where the critics were overly harsh, and dear I say...critical. I mean this film was pure entertainment and it delivered. It wasn't the greatest movie by any means, but it sure was an entertaining romp to pass 2 hours or so.

Now, this film is the continuing saga of character Chili Palmer. We first met Chili as a loan shark in New York who moved to Hollywood in "Get Shorty." Oh, the character and story was created by novelist Elmore Leonard. In this installment, Chili is played yet again by John Travolta. It seems here that Travolta does really have fun with the character and it shows. The way that he interacts each of the different characters is quite suave and, pardon the cliche, cool to watch.

This time around Chili has become burned out by the movie business. As he tells us as the film progresses, the movie business is to corporate. As the movie begins, he is talking to good friend Tommy Athens (James Woods). Athens tells Chili about his latest foray into the music business and how he set up NTL, Inc (Nothing to Lose). Athens is in business with his wife, Edie (Uma Thurman). However, Chili sort of takes Tommy's role as Tommy is quickly shot dead at the lunch table that Chili and Tommy were having a conversation at. Tommy was telling Chili of a rising music star, Linda Moon (newcomer, Christina Milian).

Also, the film deals with Chili's in and out business with the Russian fences that shot Tommy because he (Tommy) didn't have the "insurance" money that was owed. As well, there is the competing music producer Nick Car (Harvey Keitel), CAR-O-SELL, Inc., who will do anything to keep Chili from invading his business territory. This is especially crucial since Linda Moon originally signed a contract with CAR-O-SELL under Raji (Vince Vaughn). Now, Raji or Roger Lowenstein believes he is a black guy, who dresses like a pimp, or is it more limousine driver? Also, Raji has a gay bodyguard, Eliot Wilhelm (The Rock), who has dreams of getting into the acting business. Chili sees the potential, even though Eliot can't quite monologue, and sets up an audition. But what the fuck...Eliot's first film role is with Nicole Kidman...huh...but I guess it is comedy...but still...good for the Rock/Eliot, I guess...

Probably the funniest scenes in my opinion deal with Sin Seville, producer (Cedric the Entertainer) and Dabu (Andre Benjamin aka Andre 3000), who is part of the Tommy Athens first major music breakthrough the WMD's, or Weapons of Mass Destruction. Now, Dabu thinks that it is his perogrative to kill someone. As well, when Chili promises Sin and Dabu the money that is owed them $300,000 and breaks into Edie's home, the proceeding conversation leads to a deal with Sin helping out Linda's music by adding a blues guitar to her sound. The way that Dabu acts throughout this scenario is pure comedic gold. Gotta love the tea sipping!! Damn straight.

Overall, this is a fun film to watch, even if my viewing was interrupted from obnoxious high school varsity football players...but I digress. As well, there a some fun cameos like Danny DeVito reprising his "Get Shorty" role as Martin Weir, Seth Green as a music director, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Also, there is a quick cameo by Anna Nicole Smith with Danny DeVito/Martin Weir at a Lakers game. An interesting scene, I'm still not sure how to take that scene...I smiled...it's just that it seemed awkward to me.

Therefore, I shall give this film a 2/4 stars and a 7/10."

Film Design - 7.0
Enjoyment Factor - 7.5
Overall (not an average) - 7.0
(2 out of 4 stars)
- Risen Phoenix -