One Night at McCool's

"One Night At McCool's" is one of those films that had possibilities, but in the long run it ends up being rather juvenile. It probably doesn't help matters much that I'm one of the few men (?) that doesn't think Liv Tyler is all that hot. Seeing as her sexuality is the main point of the plot, I had a hard time believing that all these guys would fall for her so easily. I'm not sure if she is just a terrible actress or was purposefully acting bad in order to develop her conning character. The lame and overdone sex scenes must have been done to placate the teenage boys that Liv may have drawn to the theaters. Matt Damon and John Goodman's characters are excellent, however, and provided quite a few laughs in their roles. The retelling of the same set of events through different viewpoints is always interesting and several comical retellings were what saved this movie from being a total wash.

One Night at McCool's is a very funny movie that is more intelligent than what it should be. Its form is more sophisticated than what I expected, and its randomness was superb. The thoughts behind the movie (mysogeny, sadism, stupid men) are are infantile. That's what I have to say about this movie is that not only does it hate women, but it loathes men. It doesn't have any sympathy for any of the men, really. It seems that way because of the form, but the ending says it all. Nobody cares.

The form has the first 2/3 of the movie told in flashback by three characters: Dillon, the stupid bartender; Reiser, the mysogenistic stupid lawyer; and Goodman, the stupid, holier-than-thou cop. The story is therefore always perverted by their own self images and altered realities. Reiser's BBQ fantasy is a great touch. In the end, we never really know the truth, and nothing is what it seems. Dillon was never that innocent, etc.

Actually, the rest of the movie is funny too. From the randomness of the last 5 seconds of the movie to the overly-obviousness of Tyler's manipulations, the movie seems to have an energy all its own. Everything is just out of the blue, and nothing seems to make sense. Do we really care if it does? No.

It is also a very dark comedy, but has a shallow presentation. Think Nurse Betty, or Jawbreaker. Very candy coated outside, dark chewy inside. If you like your movies random, dark, or just purely mean, see this movie. This one will satisfy your urges for the strangeness that is One Night at McCool's.

8/10

"One Night at McCool's" is one of those quirky films that comes out quite interesting. It portrays a young woman (Liv Tyler) crossing paths with three lonely men (Matt Dillon, John Goodman, Paul Reiser) and turning their lives upside down. Throughout most of the movie, you sort of wonder where it's going, but the hilarious end is sure to blow you away. It sure blew me away.

Maybe this movie isn't really anything special, but it's pretty neat. Sort of a look at how small things can proliferate. Also starring Michael Douglas, Reba McEntire and Andrew Dice Clay.

And one more thing: after watching this movie, you may feel tempted to spend the next few days singing "YMCA".

"One Night At McCools" is the kind of movie that you start watching and don't expect very much. It helps to first check your brains at the door or at the side of the couch. But, much to your surprise, the movie is a winner. It's a delightful film about four whacky characters that are so driven by their out-of-control basic instincts that you have to follow their trail and laugh along at them. And most of their instincts revolve around sex. Liv Tyler, playing the irresistible Jewell, delivers with little left to your imagination. In one of the sexiest performances I've seen on film in years, Liv keeps all men hot and aroused, both on and off the screen. Paul Reiser and John Goodman had some hysterical moments as two guys who are willing to give up everything for the woman of their dreams. And Matt Dillon did a fine job as the loser who had nothing going for him, but got sucked into the sex and violent world of the only woman who would give him the time of day. There was an unusual, for him, performance by Michael Douglas, as the con man and recipient of the long narrative tale told by Matt Dillon. It seemed that Michael was there to oversee the film, allowing the rest of the fine cast to do their thing and get the accolades. He played it very low key, which was perfect for a guy who's not known as a comedic actor. So get yourselves ready for a very funny, light, and fast-paced sex romp. It'll be one enjoyable night.

This is one of those films which I pass all the time at my local vid shop. I hear of it, it has gone done generally good with critics but it never really screams at me to rent it. Anyway I did rent as part of a special offer discount voucher I had. I must say it was actually pretty good. The film is completely ludicrous in plot but it is a comedy. Basically it is about the effect Liv Tyler has on three men in particular played by Matt Dillon, Paul Reiser and John Goodman. I will say though, that I can definately believe the things these guys do for Livs character because she is so gorgeuous, I freely admit I'd do whatever the hell she wanted me to do. I am a big Liv Tyler fan after Lord of the Rings becuase she is so attrcative and depsite what critics say she actually can act. I know perhaps films like Armeggeddon are not the best to judge critical response because everyone in that film got criticised for their performances. Anyway, while this film is entertaining it has now real memorable moments of comedy that don't involve Liv half naked and hosing herself or something. I thought that the performances in particular Dillon, Goodman and Michael Douglas were all great and also a narrow show stealer, from the other men, Paul Reiser is hilarious you can't help but laugh out loud as he is running around in bondage gear, oh wait that could go down as a memorable moment. Liv is the overall show stopper because she lights up the screen whenever she's on it.