Pas facile d'être papa

A Cool Dry Place is yet another film that helps make the point about small independent movies being better than most studio films. I try to pick out unknown movies with known stars. That's how I came upon A Cool Dry Place. Vince Vaughn stars as a single dad trying to adjust to life in a small town after years of being a married, working city man. Vince is torn between the characters played by Joey Lauren Adams, and Monica Potter. Adams is much more tolerable in this movie than she is in most of her other films I have seen. I think its because her character has more of an edge, and isn't always trying to be a sweetheart like her characters in other movies are. I don't really care for Monica Potter. I would say she gets the job done, but nothing more. The actor playing Vaughn's son is wonderful because he's not as annoying as most child actors are.

I admit that this movie is kind of slow, and struggles to keep your attention for about ninety minutes. If you make it that far, the climax to the movie is magnificent, and leaves the audience with a wonderful feeling as the credits roll.

This is by far the best movie I've seen. I've read the book which doesn't vary much, but again. It's amazing. I think Vince was spectacular stepping out of the odd array of characters he has played in the past to portray "Gordon" in such a perfect manner... Read the book "Dance real slow" by Michael Grant Jaffe. It will be well worth the time...

Vince Vaughn is very convincing as a single father in this film! The most intriguing feature of this film is Vince out of funny! This is my first experience with him not trying to make me laugh, and yes, he did make me cry! Torn between new love, new job, old feelings and a child, his character took me on a roller-coaster ride that didn't end until the credits rolled!!! If you see no other Vaughn movie this one is a must! Not only is the story great, but Vince is gentle and compassionate; a father that takes his job as a parent most seriously. The angst in his day-to-day struggle as a parent and a man will leave you thinking about parenthood long after the movie has ended!

'A Cool, Dry Place' is not a bad film by and means and I think Smith's intentions were genuine but there's just something about it that doesn't make the film stay in mind. Perhaps it's the too familiar plot. The film is a little on the mellow side but enjoyable and has some very funny moments and gives a warm feeling. The location of the setting is refreshing and the score adds well to the country mood. Both Joey Lauren Adams and Monica Potter do well. Adams's performance is more natural while Potter's effort is sincere (she did have the harder part) but it is Vince Vaughn's film. The actor is outstanding. All the actors share a good chemistry that shines on screen. On the whole this 'A Cool, Dry Place' is a nice warm film but it's not one that stayed after ending. Perhaps I should give it another chance.

Watching this film for the second time I found it wasn't as good as i'd initially remembered.

Vince Vaughn is excellent in a straight dramatic role and his performance really carries the film, his interaction with his son is the main selling point. Joey Lauren Adams, although not given a whole lot to do, is very charming but remains two dimensional. Monica Potter does OK with a fairly thankless role but like Adams, her character's moods and motivations are never really explored. As a examination of the relationship between father and son the film does its job, however the various subplots are neglected and give the feeling of being there solely to pad the runtime.

Overall not a bad way to spend an hour and a half, just don't expect to be blown away by it.