Cocktail

The ultimate bad movie, Cocktail stars Tom Cruise as the money obsessed Brian Flanagan, a flair bartender trying to get rich quick. Cruise ups the charisma to unbearable levels in yet another Colour of Money template, this time with Bryan Brown as the older mentor figure who both guides, challenges and redeems cocky young Cruise. The final act is rushed as an afterthought, but it doesn't matter. There is more than enough Tom love to go around. 7/10.

Cocktail (1988)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Blockbuster about a young man (Tom Cruise) who dreams of having money and fame but soon his bar-tending skills lead him to Jamaica where he falls in love with a woman (Elisabeth Shue). COCKTAIL was a gigantic hit when it was released and looking back on the film you can't help but see it like so many other hits of its day. While the film remains slightly entertaining there's still no question that the story itself is downright stupid and contains some pretty idiotic moments throughout. One of the most embarrassing scenes happens towards the end of the picture between Cruise and the woman's father but I won't spoil this scene for those who haven't seen the film. A lot of the movie just seems to happen for no reason other to try and jam every type of emotion down the viewer's throat. Again, I'm not going to spoil what happens to one of the major supporting characters but this little twist just doesn't work and really goes against everything else we've seen in the film. With that said, there's no question that Cruise is in fine form here as he was really finding his own. Shue is also extremely good in her role and the two stars share some really good chemistry. The same for Bryan Brown who adds a lot of fun with his supporting role and the magic between he and Cruise certainly helps the entertainment factor. Kelly Lynch and Gina Gershon can also be seen. The film's biggest highlight is the terrific soundtrack, which has everyone from The Beach Boys to John Mellencamp. COCKTAIL is an entertaining movie but at the same time it's quite shallow and really starts to slow down towards the end. Fans of Cruise will still want to check it out even with the flaws.

"Cocktail" is a film that contains a lively narrative with notable modern day thought-provoking philosophy. The story behind this film is a real hedonistic example of what most blokes would love to do. Hardly any responsibility being a bar-tender, except to those you tend - and all the while having a great time. The plot is thin which is why it is so easy to understand and this is what makes the film - the moment you have to think about a film like this, is the moment you miss the point. The soundtrack is great, and the movie soundtrack CD is missing some of the best songs from the film too, the best one when Tom and Elizabeth get frisky under the waterfall in Jamaica.

This is an 80's movie that one would certainly enjoy especially those who grew up during the said decade. Also,it was more of an entertaining movie that features bar tenders and flaring as well as 80's soundtrack that included many family songs at that time. As for the story, it was not meant for deep thinking nor for someone to introspect for everything is crystal clear in its theme about ambition,courage and love. While the plot is something that is far from being original and refreshing as it was predictable and clichéd,it will never fall short of entertainment. It also shows Tom Cruise's ability to carry a film and elevate a movie higher in terms of appeal and charisma early in his stardom. Finally,the film remains a cultural piece of the 80's and consists of elements of a guilty pleasure by today's standards.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Tom Cruise stars as Brian Flanagan, who is fresh out the army and finding that landing an executive job in the big city isn't as easy as he thought. Taking on a course for a business degree, he winds up working part time at a cocktail bar under the tutelage of bar tending philosopher Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown). A new world is about to open up for both of them.

Right, I have the softest of soft spots for this movie. That doesn't mean I'm not aware of its many failings, most notably the heavy weight of predictability that pounds down on the head from the very first frame. But as simple as it may be (oh this is plot line simplicity decorated in flashy booze bottle twiddling), and the obvious cash in on Cruise's box office appeal that it was (note that his next film was the considerable shift to Rain Man), it's fun (thanks to Bryan Brown's mugging) and sweetly romantic (thanks to Elisabeth Shue being sweetly romantic). Yeah it's a hard sell I know! But Cruise charms in a way that has his haters swigging the Alabama Slammers by the dozen, and guys! Kelly Lynch pops up wearing a thong. Yeah I'm pretty shallow where Cocktail is concerned, sue me...

All together now, "This magic moment" 6.5/10

Apart from the few moments of real drama, this film is pure popcorn fun. It's not one of Tom Cruise's best but its late 80s yuppie era tone is perfect for conveying our protagonist's struggles to become a successful businessman.