Be Cool, based on the novel by Elmore Leonard - 6 out of 10

Be Cool, based on the novel by Elmore Leonard
6 out of 10


Positive Psychology studies have demonstrated that people who are optimistic, look at the half full side of the glass live longer, more successful professional and private lives and enjoy all sorts of other benefits.
It would therefore make some sense to try and look at what Be Cool has speaking for it:

A cast that could not be better - although some performances could certainly be upgraded:

John Travolta aka Chili Palmer, Uma Thurman - not at her best as Edie Athens - Vince Vaughn as Raji, Cedric the Entertainer, Harvey Keitel, Danny de Vito.
The highest paid actor of a couple of years - if I am not mistaken and it was three - ago, Dwayne Johnson the Rock is present in this film, but I must say that I never saw what this fabulously overpaid individual has to bring to a movie, apart from a strong, very muscular body.

The hilarious character from the splendid Get Shorty- the first part and inspiration for Be Cool, which is so much better than its continuation- Chili Palmer has lost much, if not all, of his appeal.
Disabused with the film industry, where he has tried his luck after the shenanigans of the first episode of his adventures in Hollywood, he now wants to explore the attractions of the music industry.

He collides with Raji, a ruthless villain who wants to act like a mobster, is supposed to be amusing, but the result is flawed most of the time.
Even Chili Palmer, such a memorable, outstanding, complex, splendidly acted personage in Get Shorty, becomes rather modest in Be Cool.

Returning to positive psychology and its discoveries, it is not a good idea to come with

High Or Great Expectations 

The public and the critics, waiting for another joy ride, like the admired, fresh, exuberant, rewarding, spectacular Get Shorty, have been thoroughly disappointed.

The audiences rated this comedy with only 5.7 on average.
As for the critics, they have been even tougher:

37 out of a 100 is such a low score indeed!

In other words, look out for Get Shorty and forget about Be Cool.