The Cooler (2003)

This movie portrayed Vegas in a very stereotypical way (big nightlife, mean guys at casinos, etc.), but it was an interesting story. William H. Macy always plays the lovable loser, but he does it well. I could have done without seeing him naked and screwing Mario Bello, though. I was impressed with Alec Baldwin’s performance, because I don’t really take him seriously. (For some reason I always remember the Schweaty balls SNL skit and can’t watch him with a straight face.)

I’m a sucker for ‘interesting’ endings (happy, not happy, whatever), and this movie had one, so even though I might not have really enjoyed it a lot while watching it, the ending sort of made up for it.

Joey Fatone (that dude from NSync; I probably shouldn’t know his name but I do) was in this movie. And he didn’t ruin it. Actually, I think he’s doing the smart thing as a pop star trying to act – that is, taking bit parts in good-quality movies, like this one, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, as opposed to some other pop stars who will only play the lead role in what will inevitably be a mediocre film at best (cough Britney cough Crossroads).