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Topic: Be Cool (Read 392 times)

luci
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Be Cool
« on: Mar 13^th, 2005, 1:35pm »

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"Be Cool" Movie Review
by Peter Beary
March 7, 2005

"Get Shorty" was one of the sharpest, coolest films of the 90's, and "Be Cool" director F. Gary Gray matches it in style and poise . . . but there's no clever meat to this follow-up's plastic bones, nor is there any of the pop and character polish that made "Shorty" such a moviegoer 'get.' Throw in a phoned-in performance by John Travolta (in a reprise of the role that cemented his comeback), and fans of the original can wait for DVD or cable, in my opinion. Pete sez . . . "Be Cool" really isn't, and I'm not sure it could've been, even with somebody else at the helm.

The man who is at the helm, F. Gary Gray, is a filmmaker who should eventually collaborate with Jerry Bruckheimer. His sense of style and camera points-of-view make his films visually stunning, and serve him well again here. His cast is also Hollywood-beautiful and Bruckheimer-buff, and oh yeah, loaded with talent. It's Elmore Leonard's story and characters that don't live up to expectations, and if you know anything about Elmore Leonard, you probably can't believe you just read those words. (It's analogous to telling someone "Eyes Wide Shut" is a Stanley Kubrick film. You just can't believe it when you hear it.)

Among those in the cast that particularly shine, Vince Vaughn and The Rock lead the pack. Vaughn is hysterical as a white guy who thinks he's from the 'hood, and The Rock drew laughs as a bad-ass lackey who is just happens to be flamboyantly gay in his off-time. There are a number of disconcerting comments by several characters regarding his sexuality, and I wouldn't be surprised if one or more gay groups voiced opposition to the film. In other performances, Robert Pastorelli was good in what I believe was his final performance, and Compton native and pro bodybuilder Quincy Taylor absolutely filled the screen with his giant, imposing, 6'4," 330 lb. frame. I for one hope he gets to do more in future films. Quincy's oversized muscles looked awesome on the big screen, and I can't help but think he'd fit right in in a Jerry Bruckheimer action flick. (Could you imagine a fight between he and Michael Clarke Duncan??)

As for the writing, it was undeniably witty at times; it just didn't compare to the original and was even a little dull in some parts. None of the characters were fleshed out like in "Get Shorty" and the general story was much less original this time. 'Tired' and 'stale' even came to mind regarding a few scenes.

All things considered, I have to recommend everyone pass on "Be Cool," or atleast wait until it hits cable and you can watch it for free. What credit I do give the film I base on the cast (save Mr. Travolta) and F. Gary Gray's cimatic skill.

Overall grade: C-

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Rhune
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Re: Be Cool
« Reply #1 on: Mar 13^th, 2005, 4:15pm »

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Just to add, I heard a review by a local guy here on the radio and he said we should ignore the critics on this one, that he saw it and had a marvelous time and the audience seemed to be laughing and having a great time too. I probably won't watch it until it's out on video, but I'm more likely to rent it after I heard him talking about it.

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luci
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Re: Be Cool
« Reply #2 on: Mar 13^th, 2005, 6:04pm »

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To bring us up to date on "Get Shorty" I rented it.
After viewing it again, we'll be ready for "Be Cool".
There are perks in being over 50, at least buying a ticket for the movies Cool

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luci
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Re: Be Cool
« Reply #3 on: Mar 15^th, 2005, 1:35pm »

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We plan to see this one on Thursday afternoon.
Puff, did you see it yet? How was it?

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Rhune
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Re: Be Cool
« Reply #4 on: Mar 15^th, 2005, 2:36pm »

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Let me know how you liked it!

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yesteach
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Re: Be Cool
« Reply #5 on: Mar 16^th, 2005, 8:28am »

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I read a review somewhere that said, if you've seen Get Shorty and know the back ground, you'll be disappointed in this one... if you never saw Get Shorty, you'll enjoy it... ??

We're going either this afternoon or tomorrow - we have CHEAP theatre here in town, new releases for $2.25 and on Spring Break this week... figured it was time to hit the movies. Going to this one, Robots and Dairy of a Mad Black Woman

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