COOL WORLD
A film review by Paul Kearns
Copyright 1992 Paul Kearns
Now, I'm new at this review stuff, so don't believe anything I say....
COOL WORLD; Paramount Pictures, 1992; Produced by Frank Mancuso, Jr. and directed by Ralph Bashki. Stars Kim Basinger, Brad Pitt, and Gabriel Byrne, plus a host of animated characters. Rated PG-13 for adult humor and innuendo.
COOL WORLD is the story about two parallel realities, the one we are used to (the "Real World") whose inhabitants are referred to as "noids," and one filled with animated characters, or "doodles" ("Cool World"). Actually, most of the scenes are in Cool World, since this is the focus of the film.
The main plot of COOL WORLD involves a character named Holli Would ("if she could"), and her attempts to cross over to the "Real World." Holli, who is most easily described as an animated Marilyn Monroe (at one point, Holli is imitating Ms. Monroe in LET'S MAKE LOVE), will stop at nothing in her efforts.
Jack Deebs (played by Gabriel Byrne), imprisoned for 10 years, has visions of Cool World which he then draws -- making him popular in comic book stores. However, as Detective Frank Harris (played by Brad Pitt) states, "[Cool World] exists with or without you [Deebs]."
Holli Would (the "noid" version played by Kim Basinger) tries to seduce Deebs into (and out of) Cool World by breaking the "oldest" and apparently *only* law, "noids don't have sex with doodles." Det. Harris' job is to make sure no one breaks this law, including Holli, Deebs, and himself.
COOL WORLD is busy, madcap, and often loud; it's very much like being at a party or dance club. At any given time, the main scene takes place behind two or more doodles chasing each other, or just running past. Especially in scenes with Det. Harris, things move between "noid" and "doodle" (Harris stepping out of a car which is then seen two-dimensional, etc).
Between scene changes there's often a short cartoon having nothing to do with the story line; falling safes and falling cows (yup) are everyday occurrences in Cool World. If these sort of distractions bother you, you might not like COOL WORLD.
COOL WORLD is (partly) a cartoon, but it is certainly not aimed at children. While there is nothing explicit, Holli Would (both as a doodle and a noid) is extraordinarily seductive. There are scenes which might be considered violent (though not graphic) and most of the humor is decidedly adult.
It *is*, however, quite humorous in places. During the final scene, reminiscent of GHOSTBUSTERS, the "hero" character is especially funny. You should be able to get a good laugh out of it at least once during the movie.
Brad Pitt (the "hunk" boyfriend in THELMA AND LOUISE) puts in an excellent performance. He plays the "tough cop upholding the law even if it goes against his wishes" well, and gives Frank Harris depth (not bad for a character in a two-dimensional world, ha ha).
Kim Basinger plays Holli Would well. Kim portrays Holli's short sighted determination as if it were her own. Gabriel Byrne does a good job as Jack Deebs, although Deebs' role is mostly reactive and Byrne simply does what you would expect.
Of course, it's hard to ignore the animated characters, too. You have to admit, they take stage direction better than any actor. It's these characters that make Cool World (the place) and COOL WORLD (the movie) what it is.
The plot has a few holes, and the constant activity can sometimes make it discontinuous. And I'm sure I don't have to tell you that it's not the most realistic of movies. However, it's naturally unpredictable, entertaining, and always keeps you captivated (if only because you don't want to fall behind).
COOL WORLD is not for everyone. A lot of what goes on may be above children, and many people may be confused by the busy-ness of the whole affair. Animation buffs should love it, and Holli (doodle AND noid) has an appeal that's hard to resist.
Basically, if it looks interesting to you, you will probably like it. If it looks weird, you probably won't. I'd recommend this movie, provided you had half a mind to see it anyway. If you're unsure, check out a matinee. Personally, I've seen it twice so far and enjoyed it both times.
Comments encouraged.
Paul Kearns v-paulk
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