An Exercise In Nonsense

Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

I should have known this was based on a novel. It plays out like one. Adult drama about a Chicago lawyer whose wife abruptly leaves him. He has a young son to care for, and for reasons I missed, he then moves to Kansas (it may have to do with what I presume is a sister living there). He picks up a job as a high school basketball coach. One of his players has a sister with whom the now-single dad begins a relationship. Guess who comes roaring back into his life at this juncture. Then, on top of everything else, he gets a call from an old classmate who is a lawyer in Dallas and who offers him a job. Now things get really complicated, especially when he realizes he cannot take his son with him. Vince Vaughn is the dad and Lauren Adams is the new love interest. The wife is played by Monica Potter, an actress who sounds like Julia Roberts but who never has had much of a career. Vaughn and Adams are fine in this chick flick, Potter not so fine. She simply lacks the acting chops to pull off the role of a troubled, wayward woman. If Elizabeth Banks had been old enough to play the role, she would have done it justice. The movie is for women and sensitive men only. Manly men, beware.

'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.

I recently saw this movie and I was not expecting it to be a good movie since it was given 2 1/2 stars and since Vince Vaughn I felt was an over-rated actor who is in the spotlight for more of his personal life than his acting. I actually liked this film and I thought that the acting was superb especially Vince Vaugn and the little boy who played his 5 year old son Calvin. Vince Vaughn played the part of a devoted, hardworking single father whose life is on the up again with the possibility of a better job at a top rated firm, new girlfriend when his wife who unexpectedly left him and his child 18 months ago suddenly reappeared into his life. He is confused and not sure whether he wants to have a relationship with his wife whom he sees is trying to be a part of their son's life or be with Joey Lauren's Adams character since it is a budding romance and there is much uncertainty.The theme of this film is simple but may hold true to a lot of people who thinks that their life would be much better if they had the dream job and failing to see that what they have currently is ideal too. The protagonist realized that when he had to make the life changing decision whether he should take the Dallas job which would mean that he would not be able to take care of his son or settle with his current job at the small town law firm in Kansas. He also learned not to blame his son for his career not moving in the direction that he wanted it to be. Once again, the acting was superb and the theme is something I feel that many people will be able to relate to which is to appreciate what you have and don't blame other people if your life don't turn out the way that you imagine. This is a film resonate with me and that I will definitely see it again. This is Vince Vaughn best acting work since I think that he got away from the dramatic role for more of the slapstick type of comedy. I think that Vaughn is a better acting in my eyes from seeing this film.

This movie did not have a wide release in New Zealand. I had to have the film couriered from the other side of the country, and it was well worth it.A Cool Dry Place is a movie that leaves you feeling warm. Its sensitive, and funny and even a little sexy. The storyline is believable, and the calibre of Vince Vaughns acting shows through in his scenes with Bobby Moat who plays his son Calvin . Vince Vaughn does not have children but you would never believe it after watching this movie.Joey Lauren Adams and Monica Potter also both shine in this movie. Joey Lauren Adams character Beth is reminiscent of her character in Chasing Amy, tough and sassy but ultimately sweet. Monica Potters Kate is someone we like to hate, such a vast difference to her role in Patch Adams. I urge people to watch this movie, its beautiful and I loved every minute. After watching this movie, you'll fall in love with Vince's character Russ, and end up falling in love with Vince Vaughn too.