... So it won't be a surprise to you when I say I also like 1988s "Cocktail" starring Tom 'cheesy grin' Cruise. But what will probably surprise you is when I say that it is an incredibly poor film with a weak plot, cheesy dialogue and not much grip on reality. But then none of these really matter ... Read review
First and foremost a star vehicle for Tom Cruise, this paper-thin Horatio Alger story of a ... more
young bartender with dreams of get-rich-quick success is notable only for Cruise's immense likeability in contrast to a creaky plot and thinly drawn characters. ...
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International Superstar Tom Cruise (Jerry Maguire, Mission: Impossible II, Top Gun) is ... more
electrifying as Brian Flanagan, a young, confident and ambitious bartender, who, with the help of a seasonal pro Bryan Brown (Gorillas in the Mist, FX), becomes the ...
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: John Duigan - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Charlize Theron, Stuart Townsend, Penelope Cruz
Advantages: Brilliant soundtrack, memories of the 80s Disadvantages: Poor plot, cheesy dialogue, little grip on reality
...a bit disappointing. Yes the cocktail juggling is hugely entertaining, but in a packed bar where people come because they are thirsty, I am sure they wouldn't be clapping these alcoholic theatrics. This lack of reality sadly continues into the second half and whilst provides for some amusing moments which include a drunk Flanagan destroying a piece of artwork at an exhibition, again spoils the film a little. Add to this some amazingly cheesy but ... ...especially those which feature the cocktail juggling.
►►► Film Summary
So whilst I completely enjoy "Cocktail" I have to admit that it really is one of the cheesiest films to have come out of the 80s. Yes it has its flaws but it is still amazingly entertaining and even though the second half of the film is less than memorable it is still reasonably engaging. You definitely don't watch ... more
►►► Synopsis
Having left the Army in search of a fortune and a decent career, ex service-man Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) finds that getting on the ladder to success is not as easy as he hoped. Forced into taking a part-time job in a busy bar whilst he studies. He soon becomes enthralled with the life style as he is taken under the wing of cynical bar manager Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown) and between them become the hottest bar act in Manhattan as they juggle bottles whilst making cocktails. But when their relationship turns sour, Brian heads off too Jamaica in search of his dream, only to fall in love with a young artist, Jordan Mooney (Elisabeth Shue) who is holidaying on the island.
►►► Opinion
I will readily admit that I love the 80s and in particular the films from the era. From 'Goonies' to 'Ghostbusters', there is something about these films which just bring a huge smile to my face. So it won't be a surprise to you when I say I also like 1988s "Cocktail" starring Tom 'cheesy grin' Cruise. But what will probably surprise you is when I say that it is an incredibly poor film with a weak plot, cheesy dialogue and not much grip on reality. But then none of these really matter as the whole point of this film is to entertain and it achieves this magnificently.
As is often the case with popular films from the 80s, the plot to "Cocktail" does not require a degree in nuclear physics to understand it let alone enjoy it. In fact some might say that a lot of the elements to the plot, most notably the romantic plot, have not only been poached from numerous other films but have been pieced together in such a haphazard manner that the brains behind this cinematic concoction must have been inebriated themselves. What is very apparent is that "Cocktail" is a film of two distinct halves with the first being the more original and enjoyable as the emphasis is purely on entertainment with a mixture of great music and the flair bartending. Whilst the second half tries too hard with a stronger emphasis on a poor story and a smattering of a predictable romantic theme, which feels so distinctly different to the first half that it not only feels out of place but fails to deliver. Ask anyone who has seen "Cocktail" and I would bet 9 out of 10 would tell you all about the first half but fail to remember the less than spectacular second. That is not to say the first half is perfect as the fact that it lacks any real grasp on reality is a bit disappointing. Yes the cocktail juggling is hugely entertaining, but in a packed bar where people come because they are thirsty, I am sure they wouldn't be clapping these alcoholic theatrics. This lack of reality sadly continues into the second half and whilst provides for some amusing moments which include a drunk Flanagan destroying a piece of artwork at an exhibition, again spoils the film a little. Add to this some amazingly cheesy but equally memorable dialogue, which includes the Gina Gershon’s character asking Brian Flanagan for an Orgasm, we are talking drinks here, and you have a film which really is quite laughable but in being so also hugely entertaining.
What is also very apparent is that despite having a strong cast which includes the likes of Bryan Brown, Elisabeth Shue and Gina Gershon this film is basically a Tom Cruise vehicle in the same manner as "Top Gun" and "The Color of Money". Not that I'm complaining as Cruise with his permanent grin and glint in his eye, he fits the bill perfectly as Brian Flanagan, a man who wants to make a fortune but also has an eye for the ladies, well he does manage to bed Gina Gershon, Elisabeth Shue and Lisa Banes in the course of one movie. This was typical Cruise before he started to take himself seriously as an actor and whilst it may not be a brilliant performance from the young Cruise it is definitely what he did best in the 80s. Where the film is slightly let down is the lack of character development for the supporting cast most notably in under using the brilliant Bryan Brown as Doug Coughlin. Yes the first half sees the bonding between Coughlin and Flanagan as the old cynic teaches him not only the tricks of the bar trade but also 'Coughlin's law' which has gems such as "When you can see the colour of their panties, you know you've got what it takes". But then the second half fails to carry this on and whilst their relationship progresses Brown seems to have been left on the bench in a part of the film which was crying out for someone who could handle the more serious side of it. Sadly the delightful Elisabeth Shue is stuck with such a poor character, in the form of love interest Jordan Mooney, that she has no chance to really define her character, which has the knock on effect of making the onscreen romance between Flanagan and Mooney seem completely contrived. Some might say that the poor characters were typical of the films in the 80s and to some extent I agree. Would the film have been better if they used the supporting characters more, I am not honestly sure, but it would probably have given the film a different feel, one which may not have made it so entertaining.
One thing which does stand out about the movie is a brilliant sound track which for those who have fond memories of 80s music will undoubtedly enjoy but also with the addition of a few older ones, it gives the film a real party feel. With a mix of pop, reggae and a bit of good old fashioned Rock n Roll it really has something for everyone, from "All Shook Up" through to "Don't Worry, Be Happy". But the songs which really stick in your mind have to be "Addicted to Love" and "Hippy Hippy Shake" as well as a drunken renditions of "Chantilly Lace" all of which appear in the first half. What is very clear is that the soundtrack to "Cocktail" is of a huge importance and it is the driving force behind many of the scenes, especially those which feature the cocktail juggling.
►►► Film Summary
So whilst I completely enjoy "Cocktail" I have to admit that it really is one of the cheesiest films to have come out of the 80s. Yes it has its flaws but it is still amazingly entertaining and even though the second half of the film is less than memorable it is still reasonably engaging. You definitely don't watch "Cocktail" for Oscar winning acting but again in its own cheesy way, with the over the top gestures and corny dialogue it is very entertaining. But most importantly the soundtrack is for me exceptional and gives the whole film a real party atmosphere with a great selection of up tempo songs which drive forward even the most boring of scenes. Plus of course you have the completely over the top cocktail juggling, but then it works and made me want to try it, as well as quite a few others...... no I wasn't very good at it. So even though “Cocktail” is nearly 20 years old it has aged amazingly well and even though some of the 80s fashions are very funny it is still really enjoyable to watch today, but then I think this is a film which will appeal to those who enjoyed the 80s and remember Cruise when he didn't take himself so seriously. Personally I would put this in a similar category to "Dirty Dancing", it may not be great but it is really enjoyable and very memorable.
►►► Price & Availability
Amazon.co.uk: £5.97
►►► Technical Details
Certificate: 15 Duration: 99 mins Year of Release: 1988 / 1989 Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
Director(s): Roger Donaldson Writer(s): Heywood Gould
Cast: Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, Elisabeth Shue, Lisa Banes, Laurence Luckinbill, Kelly Lynch, Gina Gershon, Chris Owens, Justin Louis
Advantages: Great fun 80s cheese Disadvantages: Too cheesy
...that the glamorous world of cocktail bartending has endless possibilities. The film came shortly after Cruise starred in the blockbuster Top Gun, and marked his presence firmly in the Hollywood core of top billing actors.
The Plot
Brian Flanagan leaves the army to work in New York in marketing. Finding a job is hard, and he sets about a business degree to make it easier. He gets a job in a bar run by Doug Coughlin in order to fund his studies, ... ...the pair become the best cocktail barmen in the city. Doug dreams of opening his own cocktail bar, and when Brian leaves for Jamaica and meets the gorgeous Jordan, Doug follows and the pair are reunited. However, the bar trade doesn't come without its pitfalls, and these are many as Brian and Doug find out.
The Cast and Performances
Tom Cruise stars as Brian Flanagan. His performance is nothing short of cheesy, but is hailed as spot on. The character ...
pmcds 08.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cocktail (DVD)
Advantages: Tom Cruise in shorts Disadvantages: None
Film only
Cocktail is another great film with Tom Cruise playing the main part. This film was directed by Roger Donaldson in 1988. He also directed films like Cadillac man, The Recruit, Sleeping Dogs and Species. The screen play was written by Heywood Gould. He also wrote The TV series the Equalizer and the films Trial by Jury, One Good Cop and Streets of Gold. Cocktail is based around Brian Flanagan and Doug Coughlin. Brian has come out of the ... ...he wants to call " Cocktail and Dreams". Here he falls in love with Jordon, who works in a restaurant as a waitress and is an artist in her spare time, however, as usual Doug has to place a bet that Brian can not get someone with money as he has now married someone with "millions". He accepts with challenge with terrible consequences. Jordon decides to go home early from her holiday after finding out what has happened. Brian founds out and decides ...
jackiehayes 12.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cocktail (DVD)
...film was not just the cocktail that kept you entertained; it also had a good storyline to go with it. I will say Tom cruise made this film what it is with good actors behind him. The soundtrack was great, and the songs went very well with how they were doing the cocktail shaking. There were quite a few oldie songs including all shook up, Tutti-Frutti and hippy hippy shake.
I would recommend seeing this film to anyone, I loved it and still do, there ...
kineticspade 20.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cocktail (DVD)
Review of Cocktail available at play.com for £4.99 delivered much cheaper than the £16.99 price at zavvi.com.
Stars: Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, Elizibeth Shue, Gina Gershon
Director: Roger Donaldson (other films by this director inc: sleeping dogs, no way out, cadillac man, thirteen days, the recruit and the bank job)
Screenplay: Heywood Gould
Run time: 100 mins
******************************************** ********
Cocktail is one of those films ... ...learns the trade of professional cocktail bartender( the throwing of bottles and catching them......not sure what it is called), and his friendship with Doug is now a close one.
So the ambitious Brian is back, as he dreams of him and Doug opening their own bar 'Cocktails and Dreams', and say's they can earn the start up capital by working the bars in jamaica ,a dream that is not shared by the ever sceptical Doug.
The duo's talents are spotted by ...
pacinofan79 14.10.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Cocktail (DVD)
Advantages: It keeps my mother happy every Christmas when it's on television Disadvantages: Heavily, heavily dependent on cliche and coincidence
Roger Donaldson's COCKTAIL was released in 1988 and quickly became one of the most successful films of the decade, with a legion of devotees still clinging on to its bandwagon today, but why is that?
Brian is an ex-soldier on his way to New York to get rich quick. His plan of world domination, however, is put on hold when he realises that he has nothing to offer. So, coming to the enlightening conclusion that even hot shots have to study, he enrols ... ...a half-decent job in synopsising COCKTAIL because it almost nearly reads like a half-decent film, with a beginning, a middle and an end, and that, if I do say so myself, is as much as anyone could possibly do to achieve such an effect. My strategy was simple; my strategy, then, was to leave-out half of the plot, for which I can only beg your pardon but the sorry fact of the matter is that what you have read here is the total sum of the film, inexplicably ...
Charles_Strickland 07.10.2006 (24.10.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Cocktail (DVD)
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Advantages: Fantastic entertain, and like a cd, can listened to over and over again. Disadvantages: Err... No can't think of any.
Stereophonics live at morpha stadium is one of the band's thrilling live gigs captured on video and DVD. The gig is centred around the tour for the award winning album "Performance and Cocktails". It contains 18 quality songs for the said album and some of their greatest pieces from their old album "Word gets around". The video contains some excellent footage of the band from all stomach churning camera angles and the stage set up and lights are fantastic. Overall this is fantastic video for the fans or if your new to there music this is a good purchase because their gigs are a sell out and hard to get tickets for, so this has go to be the next best thing. ...
Advantages: Gives you such a buzz hearing the live raw vocals. Disadvantages: Desperately wanting to be there for real.
I was bought this dvd as a Christmas present last year. I didn't think it would be the best thing ever because live versions of any songs never seem to be as good as the originals from the album.
How wrong I was! This dvd is what fuelled my passion for going to see live concerts. Kelly Jones's voice when live is so passionate and raw. He doesn't go over the top like lots of artists do when performing in front of a live audience. He sings the song so you can recognise it from the album but makes it worth your while for seeing them live.
Not only did they perform all the classics from the Performance and Cocktails album, they did some of the favourites from the first album - Word Gets Around.
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Advantages: good mtv spoof, music video Disadvantages: dull movie, too many 'Tom is great' featurettes
and features Ben Stiller as Tom Cruises stunt double. His namje is Tom Crooze and wherever Tom goes so does he. This is very funny stuff as Ben interferes in production meetings with stupid ideas and generally gets on Cruise's nerves. There's also a look back at Crooze's stunt double stints on Cocktail and Risky Business. Even if you hate the film this is worth getting the dvd for alone.
Strangely missing is any sign of theatrical trailers. Perhaps they were part of a failed mission in authoring the dvd ?
Pop the dvd into a dvd-rom drive and you'll get some decent IMF stuf like essays and agent locations with mission dossiers. it's the sort of thing that's nice to play around with but not substantial.
s you can tell I'm not a big fan of the film and some of the extras on this dvd. If it weren't for the MTV spoof and the metallica video ...
A young bartender dreams of making it big by opening a chain of pubs, but is waylaid when his girlfriend, who he is cheating on, becomes pregnant.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINM; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Release date
11/03/2002
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
BED 888457
Barcode
5017188884570
Languages
Main Language
English
DVD Description
Two bartenders (Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown) at a busy Manhattan watering hole dream of someday owning their own bars. Their lives consist of elaborate drink-mixing performances and sleeping with many of the female customers, until a fight over a woman causes the younger bartender, Brian (Cruise), to flee to Jamaica. There Brian finds true love with Jordan (Elizabeth Shue), a vacationing waitress/artist, but blows it when his materialist instincts get the better of him, and he takes up with a wealthy, older New York fashion designer (Lisa Banes). She brings him back to the city, where he lives as a kept man for a time. But realizing that love will make him happier than money, Brian seeks out Jordan and tries to win her back.
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