Stepping back into the shoes of Chili Palmer, John Travolta returns in Be Cool, the sequel to the much-loved Get Shorty. While the original film was a sharp and witty crime-comedy that felt fresh, this follow-up unfortunately struggles to recapture the same magic. Fans hoping for another dose of Chili’s effortless charm and clever maneuvering may find themselves wanting, as Be Cool feels more like a lukewarm echo of its predecessor.
Chili Palmer’s Return: Same Lines, Less Spark?
Travolta, a name synonymous with cool, appears noticeably aged in this role. It’s as if the film cautiously navigates around him, perhaps mindful of a character whose coolness factor feels like it’s thawing. Chili’s signature lines, once delivered with a punchy freshness in Get Shorty, here feel recycled and less impactful. Adding to the distracting elements are Travolta’s visual choices – the pink lip gloss and blue eye contacts come across as peculiar and detract from the character rather than enhance his supposed coolness. It’s a performance that, sadly, doesn’t quite live up to the high bar set by the original Chili Palmer.
Uma Thurman’s Edie: A Mismatched Note
Adding to the film’s unevenness is Uma Thurman as Edie, a music producer. Her portrayal feels akin to a female version of Reuben Kincaid, the manager from The Partridge Family, uttering lines like “Hey these kids have a great new sound.” Thurman’s performance consistently misses the mark, with her motivations and emotions often feeling out of sync with the scene. Her scenes are unfortunately some of the most jarring and uncomfortable to watch, further weakening the film’s overall impact.
Glimmers of Humor Amidst the Helium
Despite its shortcomings, Be Cool isn’t entirely devoid of entertainment. There are moments of levity, mostly stemming from the supporting cast. Vince Vaughn’s comedic antics, Cedric the Entertainer’s presence, Ludacris’s role, and even a t-shirt with the word “widow” printed on it offer sporadic chuckles. However, these moments are fleeting and don’t contribute to a lasting impression. The humor feels light, almost helium-filled, quickly dissipating after the credits roll. Unlike Get Shorty, which boasted the unforgettable Gene Hackman as a hilariously idiotic foil, Be Cool lacks a similarly memorable comedic anchor.
Star Power vs. Genuine Wit
The film seems to lean heavily on its ensemble cast, featuring a spectacular line-up of stars. However, this reliance on star power feels like a crutch. Get Shorty succeeded precisely because it wasn’t overly reliant on big names; its strength lay in its sharp writing and witty premise. Be Cool, in contrast, feels burdened by its star-studded cast, diluting the narrative and comedic impact. The repeated gags and lines borrowed from the first movie feel more annoying than nostalgic, and inside jokes, like Steven Tyler’s self-aware line about not being a movie star, fall flat. Even concessions to The Rock’s wrestling fanbase, like his eyebrow raise, feel forced and out of place.
Conclusion
While Be Cool manages to pull itself up from a weak start and offer some scattered laughs, it ultimately fails to live up to the coolness and comedic brilliance of Get Shorty. For die-hard fans of John Travolta or those simply seeking light entertainment, it might be worth a cheap rental. However, for those expecting a sequel that captures the original’s spark and wit, Be Cool is likely to leave you feeling underwhelmed.
