Cool is king in ‘Cool’

PEGGY J. ROGERS

John Travolta is the king of cool. His ability to radiate a natural

aura of coolness in his breakout hit “Saturday Night Fever,” and

comeback cult favorites “Pulp Fiction” and “Get Shorty” translated

into box office gold. His newest film, “Be Cool,” resurrects Chili

Palmer (Get Shorty), the former shylock turned movie producer.

Ready to move on to new career challenges, Chili makes the move

from films to music. And his good fortune provides him with his entry

-- young and gifted singer Linda Moon (Christina Milian). All that

stands between Chili promoting the promising diva is her manager

(Harvey Keitel), one of her producers (Vince Vaughn), his gay

bodyguard (The Rock), another manager (Cedric the Entertainer) and

his nephew, Dabu (Andre Benjamin).

All the while Chili must avoid being whacked by the Russian Mafia

and an independent hit man. Through it all Chili has time to woo and

protect the beautiful recently widowed Edie (Uma Thurman).

Chili Palmer is so cool that his problems bounce off him like

bullets off of Superman’s chest. Being cool is what gives everyone

their strength, wisdom and power. Being cool is what everyone in the

film strives for.

“Be Cool” remains in perpetual motion from the beginning to ending

credits. With more than seven characters and subplots to introduce,

develop and resolve, plus musical numbers, a little basketball, a

meeting with a rock icon and outsmarting the cops, “Be Cool” holds

your attention. It gives your mind a rest and makes you laugh at the

silliness of the characters.

The Rock sizzles as the gay bodyguard. He evolves from a mean thug

to a vain actor and so-so singer. In every scene, he exposes a

different side.

Vaughn, however, fizzles as a white guy wanna-be-in-the-hood. His

character remains a jerk throughout the film, a virtual bore. “Be

Cool” cannot be considered one of Travolta’s best or most popular

works, nor can it be tagged as one of his worst.

* PEGGY J. ROGERS, 40, produces commercial videos and

documentaries.