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A Cool, Dry Place (1998)
Rate:
6
Viewed:
1/24
1/24:
It doesn't take me long to recognize that A Cool, Dry Place is a Kramer vs. Kramer clone.
This time, it goes in a different direction because there's no divorce happening; just a separation with both parties
who eventually come to terms with reality. I sided with the father the entire time. Obviously, the mother
sought reconciliation with the kid because he happened to resemble her. Otherwise, she wouldn't want to be reminded of
his father on a daily basis.
Now, I must point out the stupidity on Russ' part. There are millions of successful working single mothers, highly paid or
not. Hence, I fail to see why Russ couldn't take the job in Dallas. All he had to do is put Calvin in school; hiring a babysitter
is a no-brainer, too. His true problem is, metaphorically speaking, cutting off the umbilical cord. Also, Russ had the
right to press charges against his wife for kidnapping, yet for a lawyer, the thought never occurred to him.
The only good performance is given by Vince Vaughn who does enough to make the movie work, but the kid is annoying and
is therefore used as a prop to advance the plot. By the way, is Calvin supposed to be autistic or what? Monica Potter is awful;
the goal was to make Russ feel chemistry with her character, but it's practically nonexistent, so what can be the issue after
all? It would be more believable had Anne Heche been cast instead. If you don't believe me, then I recommend you to
check out Return to Paradise, a top two Vince Vaughn picture.
All in all, although underwhelming, A Cool, Dry Place is worth watching to catch a glimpse of Vince Vaughn's
Brando-like acting during his prime from 1996 to 1998.