One Night at McCool's (2001)
Andrew Dice Clay, Eric Schaeffer, John Goodman
A giddy attempt to combine a standard film noir plot and a contemporary sex farce about men who (to quote John Hiatt's song) let their little heads do the thinking, One Night at McCool's is a promising comedy that never hits full speed, coasting along amiably enough before spiraling into viol...
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A giddy attempt to combine a standard film noir plot and a contemporary sex farce about men who (to quote John Hiatt's song) let their little heads do the thinking, One Night at McCool's is a promising comedy that never hits full speed, coasting along amiably enough before spiraling into violence that clashes with its trashy sensibility. It's not as polished as Grosse Pointe Blank, but it's fun enough to recommend, especially for those who drool at the sight of Liv Tyler. The movie begins by suggesting that Liv is sexy, then proceeds to prove it, and then continually insists upon it until you're left with no choice but to wholeheartedly agree. It's an easy choice, but pity the movie's wretched guys for making it. As bombshell Jewell Valentine, Tyler lures three guys into her criminal scheme of happy homemaking. Bartender Matt Dillon's the first to take the bait; as Dillon's lawyer cousin, Paul Reiser can't resist; and when murder complicates everything, detective John Goodman employs his own love-struck brand of chivalry. Sporting a tacky pompadour, Michael Douglas steals the show as a hit man hired to whack the scheming sexpot--and Andrew Dice Clay is surprisingly funny in a dangerous dual role--but of course Liv can hold her own. It's all quite amusing, but rarely is McCool's as funny as you hope it will be; the dialogue by Stan Seidel (who sadly died before filming completed) is zesty enough but lacks the Coenesque punch that would kick it over the top. It hardly matters, though; with a femme fatale like Liv in control, the movie's faults will be easily forgiven. --Jeff Shannon
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R, 93 min.
Directed by:
Harald Zwart
Release Date: Apr 27, 2001
DVD Release Date: Oct 09, 2001
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Interesting plot.. and brilliant casting.. Liv Tyler is amazing as the temptress and the three male protagonists are really well played.. the best part is the variation in the people to whom they confess and seek help from about the situation. Quite ... (read more) Interesting plot.. and brilliant casting.. Liv Tyler is amazing as the temptress and the three male protagonists are really well played.. the best part is the variation in the people to whom they confess and seek help from about the situation. Quite a lot good laughs and definitely worth a watch!
I like the way the plot is often repeated, but told from the point of view of another character. The situation is spun to make them look the best. Sounds complicated, but not, only clever.
Message for Liv Tyler: You're so much better than this; you... (read more) I like the way the plot is often repeated, but told from the point of view of another character. The situation is spun to make them look the best. Sounds complicated, but not, only clever.
Message for Liv Tyler: You're so much better than this; your role is merely that of an Object
meh it was alright. mike douglas has barely any screen time, but john goodman is always.....good....man..
A great cast and a funny and clever script make One Night at McCools a memorable watch. Adapting a neat structure, Stan Seidel's (who unfortunately died during filming) screenplay introduces our main characters; vampish and manipulative femme fatale ... (read more) A great cast and a funny and clever script make One Night at McCools a memorable watch. Adapting a neat structure, Stan Seidel's (who unfortunately died during filming) screenplay introduces our main characters; vampish and manipulative femme fatale Liv Tyler, local bartender Matt Dillon, soft-sap cop John Goodman, sexually frustrated lawyer Paul Reiser and ridiculously be-quiffed hitman Michael Douglas, and then, through multiple flashbacks, each character has different viewpoints on the same events. Liv Tyler looks so so hot in a multitude of different outfits that you actually believe these men would try to get with her at any cost, while the rest of the cast all are brilliantly funny in their roles. The film has enough clever twists to keep you watching, and it leads to a brilliantly bizarre final shootout, scored to the Village People's YMCA! Great comic performances, a clever premise and the incredible hotness of Ms Tyler= a comedy that I can recommend.
I hate it when the movie description on "Flixter" isn't objective... Don't listen to it! The movie has a lot of fun, Liv is sweet and really hot in a unique way - it's the only movie she is playing the femme-fatale - and men will feel for the guys in... (read more) I hate it when the movie description on "Flixter" isn't objective... Don't listen to it! The movie has a lot of fun, Liv is sweet and really hot in a unique way - it's the only movie she is playing the femme-fatale - and men will feel for the guys in the movie... Worth watching comedy!
The title is so lame, I think a friend rented this and that's how I came to watch it. Paul Reiser is terrible so is Live Tyler. The whole plot is awkward and the only good parts are when Andrew Dice Clay and John Goodman are on. Bad movie.
I remember absolutely nothing about this movie, and I think that counts against it. Or against my memory. But I'll blame the movie.
Critic Reviews
It is so busy with its crosscut structure and its interlocking stories that it never really gives us anyone to identify with.full review
Tyler, a true beauty, gives the role a valiant try, but her range is too limited to play this amalgam of female perfection.full review
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