Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #267182 in DVD
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: German, English

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

A night to remember
What happens when you mix together a con man, a con man's twin brother, a bartender,a shrink, a hit-man, a priest, a cop, 2 lawyers and a sultry siren? Well, the result will be something like ONE NIGHT AT McCOOL's. As with any mixed drink of this sort, you may not get what you expect, but you'll leave the bar happy.

If ever there were such a thing as a dark romantic comedy, this would be it. If you think you're getting another couples-friendly run-of-the-mill romantic comedy, you're wrong. Whether that is good or bad depends on the viewer.

The movie features an all-star cast that includes Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas, Paul Reiser and John Goodman. However, the performance that carries the film is that of Liv Tyler as the gorgeous femme fatal who is bad news for everyone. Not only does she possess the physical assets to pull off the part, but she is a bona-fide good actress on top of that. The car wash scene by itself is worth the modest price of the DVD.

The best reason to buy this flick is that it is utterly hilarious. The way it hits on every man's fantasy will be appealing to male viewers, while the fact that it at the same time mocks these fantasies will be something women will find amusing. The film finds humor in rather bizarre situations, but it will nonetheless leave you in stitches.

So, with this in mind, go out and spend a night at McCool's. Stick around awhile and enjoy your drink - it all goes down smooth. Then at the end of the night, click your feet three times and say "There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home." And, by the way, home is where the DVD is...

Dice's Second Best Acting Role
Don't let the negative reviews prevent you from watching the highly entertaining "One Night at McCool's". Three men inexplicably fall for the manipulating femme fatale Jewel (Liv Tyler), who has a gift for relieving people of their possessions. The real reason to watch this film is for the magnificent performance of Andrew Dice Clay in the dual role of Utah/Elmo. His excess body hair and tattoos, topped off with an expertly coiffed mullet, provides two of the best scenes in his acting career.

Very Funny Night's Viewing with many LOL moments
I found this film a really good night's entertainment and found myself LOL frequently. It was a welcome diversion after a hard day's work. Hands down, Michael Douglas is the funniest person in the film. I have to give him enormous credit for letting himself be made over cosmetically into the most ridiculous looking guy you've ever met with full pompadour hairdo. But there are many other solid performances too. Liv Tyler does a really good job as the beautiful bombshell who comes into men's lives as their dream pick-up only to turn their lives upside down. In fact, contact with her may make you end up dead as she has a way of waltzing into troublesome, dangerous situations. It was great seeing Matt Dillon for a change playing a role where he is the one totally out of control in the hands of the wrong woman. Paul Reiser as Dillon's lawyer cousin who wants Tyler as his dominatrix is very funny too and his solo scene at the end of the movie had me doubled over with laughter. John Goodman, however, is too much over the top as is Andrew Dice Clay. Their roles are almost cartoon-like they are so broad. Tyler is proving herself very well as an actress. I thought she was wonderful in "Onegin" with Ralph Fiennes and she shows real talent here as well.