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Tom Cruise stars as Brian Flanagan, who is fresh out the army and finding that landing an executive job in the big city isn't as easy as he thought. Taking on a course for a business degree, he winds up working part time at a cocktail bar under the tutelage of bar tending philosopher Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown). A new world is about to open up for both of them.

Right, I have the softest of soft spots for this movie. That doesn't mean I'm not aware of its many failings, most notably the heavy weight of predictability that pounds down on the head from the very first frame. But as simple as it may be (oh this is plot line simplicity decorated in flashy booze bottle twiddling), and the obvious cash in on Cruise's box office appeal that it was (note that his next film was the considerable shift to Rain Man), it's fun (thanks to Bryan Brown's mugging) and sweetly romantic (thanks to Elisabeth Shue being sweetly romantic). Yeah it's a hard sell I know! But Cruise charms in a way that has his haters swigging the Alabama Slammers by the dozen, and guys! Kelly Lynch pops up wearing a thong. Yeah I'm pretty shallow where Cocktail is concerned, sue me...

All together now, "This magic moment" 6.5/10

I saw another review which said, 'it never bores' and then gave it 2 out of 10. It's on that same basis that I'm giving it 7 out of 10. It's entertaining escapism from beginning to end. I mean, it is drivel or course, but that's not the point. It's okay for 80s movies to be drivel, as long as they hold our attention, and take us back to that time in a fond way. That's really why most of us watch 80s movies isn't it? It's to remember the energy and the feel of that period, when life seemed simpler in many ways. We knew who we were and what we were meant to do. And that's what this film does....the characters know who they are, and what they are meant to be doing....even when they don't. Even existential crisis in the 80s was simpler (in films at least). It's a good trip back in time.

The ultimate bad movie, Cocktail stars Tom Cruise as the money obsessed Brian Flanagan, a flair bartender trying to get rich quick. Cruise ups the charisma to unbearable levels in yet another Colour of Money template, this time with Bryan Brown as the older mentor figure who both guides, challenges and redeems cocky young Cruise. The final act is rushed as an afterthought, but it doesn't matter. There is more than enough Tom love to go around. 7/10.

"Cocktail" from 1988 is one of the films that solidified Tom Cruise's superstar status. He stars in this film with Bryan Brown, Lisa Banes, and Elizabeth Shue.

Cruise plays Brian Flanagan, a young man with a lot of dreams of making big bucks. After getting out of the service, he relentlessly seeks a job in New York City, finally snagging one as a bartender in a upper east side, trendy bar, where he works alongside Doug Coughlin, his boss.

Before long they're an attraction in and of themselves, throwing bottles to one another, finishing off each other's drinks, all the while dancing, turning, and gyrating.

Brian goes to business school as well, but given his late nights, it's exhausting and not very fulfilling.

He and Doug both have dreams of owning their own bars, and the two become great friends. However, after a huge fight, Brian goes to Jamaica and runs a bar there, making good money and falling for Jordan, a pretty waitress (Shue).

Then Doug shows up, having married rich, and when a very classy, upscale woman (Banes) comes to the bar, Doug bets Brian that he can't get to first base with her. He does, and Jordan sees him do it, and drops out of the picture.

Back in New York, Brian finds out living with a high-powered woman is no picnic - in fact, it's pretty humiliating -- and he runs into Jordan again.

"Cocktail" doesn't have much of a plot, but it has two very attractive leading men, sexy Bryan Brown and, of course, Cruise, handsome even with his old nose and looking quite different than he did in "The Color of Money." He's very charming,likable, and exudes a lot of youthful energy. He has some emotional moments, too, which he handles well.

"Cocktail" is a light film aimed at a younger crowd than I was even in 1988, but anyone can enjoy its swinging New York atmosphere, lazy Jamaican sun, great soundtrack, and two wild bartenders.

Underneath it all, it's about the dreams of youth and the reality of being out in the world. That's a message everyone learns pretty quickly.

Apart from the few moments of real drama, this film is pure popcorn fun. It's not one of Tom Cruise's best but its late 80s yuppie era tone is perfect for conveying our protagonist's struggles to become a successful businessman.

Cocktail (1988)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Blockbuster about a young man (Tom Cruise) who dreams of having money and fame but soon his bar-tending skills lead him to Jamaica where he falls in love with a woman (Elisabeth Shue). COCKTAIL was a gigantic hit when it was released and looking back on the film you can't help but see it like so many other hits of its day. While the film remains slightly entertaining there's still no question that the story itself is downright stupid and contains some pretty idiotic moments throughout. One of the most embarrassing scenes happens towards the end of the picture between Cruise and the woman's father but I won't spoil this scene for those who haven't seen the film. A lot of the movie just seems to happen for no reason other to try and jam every type of emotion down the viewer's throat. Again, I'm not going to spoil what happens to one of the major supporting characters but this little twist just doesn't work and really goes against everything else we've seen in the film. With that said, there's no question that Cruise is in fine form here as he was really finding his own. Shue is also extremely good in her role and the two stars share some really good chemistry. The same for Bryan Brown who adds a lot of fun with his supporting role and the magic between he and Cruise certainly helps the entertainment factor. Kelly Lynch and Gina Gershon can also be seen. The film's biggest highlight is the terrific soundtrack, which has everyone from The Beach Boys to John Mellencamp. COCKTAIL is an entertaining movie but at the same time it's quite shallow and really starts to slow down towards the end. Fans of Cruise will still want to check it out even with the flaws.

Cocktail reminds me of the days films were innocent and were made to entertain an audience weary of their real-life concerns. If nothing else it is a reminder of the type of films the late 80s churned out. Tom Cruise, at the height of his superstardom plays a bartender who is coached by Bryan Brown in the big apple and then relocates to Jamaica. This is a good one time watch (preferably with a drink) and the locations and characters are innocent enough to be enamored with. If you have nothing to do on a lazy afternoon you can slip a disc of Cocktail in your player and get lost in not too heavy handed nostalgia.

If only real life was like this surprise success with Tom Cruise flashing his teeth in what was to become his standard role as a young whippersnapper on the make while scoring with rich chicks.

The busy story (adapted by Heywood Gould from his original novel) is energetically directed by Australian newcomer Roger Donaldson, and although Cruise is officially the star, the best performance is inevitably that of Donaldson's fellow antipodean Bryan Brown (described by Cruise as looking like a guy "who dyes his hair and shaves with a Brillo").

It's all very eighties, lines like "The Donald Trump of the Cookie Business" having since acquired an unforeseen resonance.

A classic Cruise film, where Cruise is still an actor more than the archetypal movie star. Cruise plays Brian Flanagan, a greedy youngster just back from the Army, eager to make big money fast in Manhattan. He cannot get a job in advertising or finance for lack of education and he ends up working in a fancy bar. I do not understand why savvy bartender Doug (Brown) would give the job to a guy who does not know how to make a cocktail, but this is one of those stupid plot devices one should not focus on.

Doug and Brian make a dynamic bar-tending duo, very popular with customers, but their professional idyll is shattered by a femme fatale, for no other reason than to move the plot forward.

Three years later we find Brian bar-tending in Jamaica, saving money to open his own bar, when Doug reappears with his rich bride. How and why Doug found Brian is another question better left unanswered. Brian is busy romancing Jordan, a "poor" artist who happens to be able to afford an exclusive cottage and extended Caribbean holidays (again, better left unanswered).

Doug challenges Brian to seduce a rich woman to follow in his footsteps of kept man and cocky Brian obliges. Unfortunately Jordan sees him and is heartbroken. We're supposed to believe that a week of happy frolicking on the beach adds up to a great love story - or maybe they frolicked way longer, but again, how long was Jordan's holiday?

The third act takes place in New York, where Jordan ran back and Brian followed with rich lover Bonnie. There the movie looses steam, heading to an extremely predictable ending.

One good point of the plot is to show that people can enjoy a good life working a job they love. One bad point is that the cybernetic revolution taking place at the time is completing ignored as a source of wealth. The Brians of the time still followed the credo of "greed is good" of the finance world, while the real revolution took place elsewhere

A great soundtrack adds a lot to the plot, which is pretty flawed and filled with holes. Nowadays, it is fashionable to revile the 80s as the decade of greed, shoulders pads and awful haircuts. However, those who lived through it, probably had fun and Cocktail is a classic summer movie, to be enjoyed without reflecting too much - even if only one third actually takes place in summery locations.

Back in the day this was the sh.... Remember it like it was yesterday..the perms, shoulderpads.

A classic you must show your kids!!

I remember bits and pieces of Cocktail from watching it as a kid. Although I have no idea why I was watching a movie about philandering bartenders when I was a kid. Yes, the flair bartending is fun to watch. Yes, the soundtrack is a blast. Yes, Tom Cruise has charisma. All that doesn't change the fact that this film isn't that good. Much like Cruise's character, Brian, this story drifts along without any real purpose. And while the acting isn't terrible, the writing is watered down, and the characters are one-dimensional. It seems that the filmmakers didn't get the mix right when it comes to Cocktail.

"Cocktail" is a film that contains a lively narrative with notable modern day thought-provoking philosophy. The story behind this film is a real hedonistic example of what most blokes would love to do. Hardly any responsibility being a bar-tender, except to those you tend - and all the while having a great time. The plot is thin which is why it is so easy to understand and this is what makes the film - the moment you have to think about a film like this, is the moment you miss the point. The soundtrack is great, and the movie soundtrack CD is missing some of the best songs from the film too, the best one when Tom and Elizabeth get frisky under the waterfall in Jamaica.

This is an 80's movie that one would certainly enjoy especially those who grew up during the said decade. Also,it was more of an entertaining movie that features bar tenders and flaring as well as 80's soundtrack that included many family songs at that time. As for the story, it was not meant for deep thinking nor for someone to introspect for everything is crystal clear in its theme about ambition,courage and love. While the plot is something that is far from being original and refreshing as it was predictable and clichéd,it will never fall short of entertainment. It also shows Tom Cruise's ability to carry a film and elevate a movie higher in terms of appeal and charisma early in his stardom. Finally,the film remains a cultural piece of the 80's and consists of elements of a guilty pleasure by today's standards.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

God only knows in my lifetime I've dealt with a lot of bartenders, I still do now when I go in a place and only order non-alcoholic beverage. But unless it was a topless joint where the bartenders were required to do more than pour and converse and maybe toss out an occasional drunk, I never did see one do the Hippy Hippy Shake. And here Tom Cruise does it tandem with Bryan Brown.

Still Cocktail is an entertaining enough film with Tom Cruise now settled into the parts he usually plays as an all American social climber. Tom's fresh out of the army and his first stop is his uncle Ron Dean's bar in Queens. He probably could get a job with his uncle, but Tom aims for higher things.

The problem Tom has in looking for a job is that old adage, what kind of work are you out of? He tries in all kinds of places, but he has no experience. An exhausted Tom arrives at an upscale bar presided over by Bryan Brown and the two of them hit it off. Brown teaches Tom all the tricks of the trade in bartending and hustling.

Bartending on the Upper East Side is a whole different world than the working class of Queens. In fact right around the same time Cocktail was out the tragic murder of Jennifer Levin by preppie killer Robert Chambers was introducing via the tabloids of the world of the yuppie bars of that vicinity. It was the world of Cocktail brought to a gruesome reality.

The women come and go for both Cruise and Brown. Success turns out to be ephemeral. The key scene in the film for me is that where Brown after marrying East Side princess Kelly Lynch and her father's money has backed him in opening the most posh establishment on the East Side, he confesses that he doesn't know the first thing about really running a business. Running a bar/restaurant is a lot more than pouring drinks and dispensing wisdom. Turns out Brown hasn't got that much wisdom and his realization of that leads to tragedy. It's a beautifully played scene, the best I've ever seen from Bryan Brown.

Elizabeth Shue as Tom's East Side princess is very appealing, but I also like Ron Dean as Cruise's uncle who really does have a lot of wisdom and he doesn't think that he has it simply because he pours drinks.

Brian Flannagan in Cocktail became one of Tom Cruise's staple roles and further endeared him as our number one superstar. Still I've yet to see a real bartender do the Hippy Hippy Shake.

After Cruise leaves Jamaica this film kind of gets serious and it isn't very serious when it happens, more like laughable. But, watching this with a couple of drinks, a couple of shots and some great company, I have to admit, it is pretty darn fun.

"Coughlin's Law: Bury the dead. They stink up the joint. As for the rest of Coughlin's Laws, ignore them. The guy was always full of shi-t."

Roger Donaldson directed 1988 flick 'Cocktail' is at best an average watch. A stereotypical affair.

Cruise plays a talented and ambitious bartender who aspires to working in business and finds love while working at a bar in Jamaica. Though the film was a box office Super-Hit back in the day, I really didn't love the film. 21 years ago people loved it, but someone like me, who watches 'Cocktail' now that to for the first time... won't be gung-ho about the film.

Cruise is fantastic throughout. He carries the film on his shoulders, and is the prime reason why this film doesn't bore. Bryan Brown's character & performance are top-notch. Elisabeth Shue is a everlasting beauty, and 'Cocktail' proves that fact once again. As far as her performance goes, she's natural to the core.

'Cocktail' is average work... watch it for Cruise, Shue & Brown's note-worthy performances.

Interesting take on Balzac's novel "Papa Goriot", where Goriot is Cruise's absent father and the reluctant devil Vautrin is played by Brown. The line that Brown tries to teach Cruise is how to get into high society through the right kind of woman.

The slickness, including the overwritten dialogue, gets in the way, but it sure is fun to look at. Brown is good in a scene-stealing kind of way, and you can see flashes of brilliance in Cruise's performance - occasionally. The scene where Banes tells him what kind of shirt to wear, for example. It takes about three seconds, but you can see the resignation on Cruise's face and in his voice.

Gershon and Shue are underused, in my opinion, having what amounts to incidental roles.

Have you seen "American Psycho?" There is a character in there that raves about the depth he feels are in vapid New Wave 80s music...it reminds me of people that like Cocktail.

It was just a vapid film from start to finish. Eye candy with Shue and Lynch's bathing suit...but really that was just to add the cherry on top of everything that was bad about the 80s.

The 80s is the decade that people look back on and think...at least the comedies were good. The comedies are a format that allows for vapid mindlessness.

"Let's make a drama about a bar tender that makes it celebrity big?" What? No! You want a movie about a bar...watch "Tree's Lounge." This is like, even bar tenders can become rich and famous and live the 80s dream...it doesn't work. "Wall Street" works when you're making movies about the 80s dream. "The Secret of My Success" works because it's a comedy and you aren't supposed to take it seriously. "Quicksilver" works because it has Kevin Bacon in it and that whole "you too can be a scumbag" thing is left far to the side.

"Cocktail" is really the story about a corporate bartender at 80s nightclubs...yeah, it has all the taste the plot implies.

Pass on it...but buy the soundtrack if you can.

That about says it all. The story, if you can call it that, seems simply a hodgepodge of bad Hollywood cliches. The characters are shallow and inconsistent. They don't even get the cliches right. For god's sake, don't waste 2 hours of your life on this disaster.

If you've ever payed much attention you'll see that Tom's hairstyle changes several times. I think he was filming Days of Thunder at the same time. Of the two Cocktail is better.

The funniest thing about this movie is the fact that movie makers believe they actually have something to say about ambition in 80's America , about rat race and love. Oh boy ! All of this in a nonsense movie that is neither a comedy , drama or romantic comedy. The plot is thinner than in most bad soap operas.

The characters are shallow and inconsistent . It also doesn't help that Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Shue act rather badly here. They can give good performances , but that's not the case here. Only Bryan Brown is decent, but he doesn't have that much screen time.

The soundtrack to this movie is the best thing about "Cocktail" . It includes songs like "Kokomo" (The Beach Boys) , "Don't worry be happy" (Bobby McFerrin) , "Wild again" (Starship) , " Oh, I love you so" (Preston Smith) , "Tutti frutti" (Little Richard) and "Shelter of your love "(Jimmy Cliff). There's some nice background sets in the Caribbean.

This is a junk movie that thinks it's got deep message about materialism. It's fairly original , sometimes amusing and never bores , but REALLY you could spend your free time much better than on this empty and forgettable movie.

I give it 2/10.

Brian (Tom Cruise) is not a college graduate but heads to New York City to try and make his fortune. Although he is an aspiring business man, no firm will hire him without that big piece of paper. As he enrolls in night school, he takes a job as a bar tender. In a short while, he is one of the best bartenders in town. His girlfriend lets him down, however, and he takes a job in Jamaica. Once there, his reputation grows, as a great bartender and a supreme carouser. His world is shaken when he meets Jordan (Elizabeth Shue)....he just doesn't know it. When she goes back to New York City, he follows. Will happiness ensue? This film succeeds because of the attractions of Cruise and Shue, the lovely Jamaican scenery, and the romantic plot. Bryan Brown gives a very nice performance as the unlikeable bartender who trains Cruise. The costumes are nice, too, and the inside of Shue's New York apartment is quite intriguing as an artist's digs. If you love stories of unlikely romance and realized aspirations, this one you will like. All fans of Cruise and/or Shue, must take time to watch this film as well.

The stage curtains open ...

"Cocktail", despite being cringeworthy in parts, is a guilty pleasure of mine and a film I have enjoyed watching from time to time over the years. It came out at a good time in my life, so just the very thought of the movie will bring a smile to my face as it takes me to a good place with great memories. It is also highlighted by a fun soundtrack with "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys leading the way.

Young Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) returns home from the military with big dreams and aspirations of making it big, getting rich quick. So, he strikes out on the streets of New York to find employment, only to be turned away at every point. He finds his way into a bar and meets the man who will change his life, Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown). They become fast friends and rise quickly in the nightlife scene until a girl comes between them. Brian goes to Jamaica where he meets Jordan Mooney (Elisabeth Shue) - the girl who will also change his life. Things are going great until Doug shows up again.

Yes ... the acting in this one is pretty pitiful. Tom Cruise is so full of himself in this movie that even his laughs seem fake (part of that cringeworthy factor). The relationship between Brian and Jordan is almost believable. What really shines in this movie though, is the chemistry and the relationship between Brian and Doug. This is where the movie succeeds. I love the back and forth banter between these two.

I know this movie bombed with critics and moviegoers alike, but as I mentioned, I like it. Watching them toss and flip bottles to the sounds of 80's music with a heavy dose of early Tom Cruise flair and a fun story - this one is a recommend at 7 stars out of 10. I still watch it today and smile just as much each time. Besides, it has one of the best poems ever filmed.