Liv Tyler Movie:

Editorial Review:
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

One Night at McCool's Reviews:
You like water?
2009-01-28 - One Night at McCool's is a dark comedy that is pretty darn entertaining. Maybe it is just one long set up for a Village People gag, but it's fun to stay at the YMCA. They have assembled a very interesting cast, and everyone contributes, making the whole equal to more than the sum of its parts. The story is told like a Faulkner novel, from multiple viewpoints. It's Rashamon Time, as Randy the bartender (Matt Dillon); his cousin, the lawyer Carl Harding (Paul Reiser); and grieving widower Detective Dehling (John Goodman), all tell different versions of the events that happened One Night at McCool's. Each of the men have someone to tell their story to: Carl tells Dr. Green (Reba McEntire), Dehling tells Father Jimmy (Richard Jenkins), and Randy tells Mr. Burmeister (Michael Douglas), the hitman he has hired to take care of his "problem."

Randy's problem is Jewel Valentine (Liv Tyler), the woman he encountered One Night at McCool's. She has driven him, along with Carl and Detective Dehling, stark raving crazy. All she really wants is to have a nice house full of nice furniture and things, but what won't she do to get them? Or, what won't she make the men do?

Liv Tyler is well cast as a woman with the the power to drive men wild. She has a certain charisma, but at the same time she's kind of a dork. See Stealing Beauty for further evidence of her beautiful brand of dorkiness. Paul Reiser was best known for the sit com, "Mad About You," but One Night at McCool's gives him the opportunity to stretch his comedic envelope. Richard Jenkins, as Father Jimmy, turns in yet another brilliant character actor turn. He has finally gotten some recognition with an Oscar nomination for "The Visitor." As the lead, not supporting, Jack. John Goodman is a good man, Matt Dillon is always willin' to go that extra mile, and Michael Douglas is a hit as the hitman. And did I mention Andrew 'Dice' Clay in not one but two roles? Fugedaboutit! Four cast members have appeared in films with Kevin Bacon. All this, and the best use of a snowglobe as metaphor since Citizen Kane?

Death Sentence (Unrated Edition) (2007) .... John Goodman was Bones Darley (with Kevin Bacon)
The Visitor (2007/I) .... Richard Jenkins was Prof. Walter Vale
Loverboy (2005) .... Matt Dillon was Mark (with Kevin Bacon)
Wild Things (Unrated Edition) (1998) .... Matt Dillon was Sam Lombardo (with Kevin Bacon)
The Big Lebowski - 10th Anniversary Edition (1998) .... John Goodman was Walter Sobchak
Stealing Beauty (1996) .... Liv Tyler was Lucy Harmon
Falling Down (1993) .... Michael Douglas was William 'D-Fens' Foster
Tremors (1990) .... Reba McEntire was Heather Gummer (with Kevin Bacon)
Pretty in Pink (1986) .... Andrew 'Dice' Clay was Bouncer at CATS
Diner (1982) .... Paul Reiser was Modell (with Kevin Bacon)

Two thumbs up!
2009-01-23 - The item shipped fast and was a good price! What more can you ask?

Clever
2009-01-09 - We all enjoyed this movie and bought anohter copy to send to friends in Europe.

Clever, funny with several unanticipate twists. Have fun and watch this movie, twice.



3 stars out of 4
2008-12-18 - The Bottom Line:

A quirky, quickly-forgotten comedy, One Night at McCool's is certainly not a great film but it features a good deal of amusing material and humorous performances from Douglas and Goodman; it's sufficiently different to be worth seeking out.

One Night at McCool's....
2007-09-01 - Excellant movie. Also was easy to order and received in a timely matter...I will definately order again ......The price was right,too!