Be Cool

John Travolta and Uma Thurman are not convincing as two characters falling in love.

(Herald rating * * *)

It has taken 10 years, but Travolta is back as infamous loan shark Chili Palmer in this amusing sequel to the successful film Get Shorty

A sequel is always a risky venture and, even with Elmore Leonard (who wrote the novel Get Shorty) back on board to guide Chili's next venture, Be Cool is a lighter affair than its predecessor.

It's a film of cameo scene-stealers rather than a smart story.

Outkast's Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000) debuts marvellously as African American rapper Dabu, and the Rock also steps out of his normal action roles, taking on the character of a gay wannabe-actor bodyguard. Harvey Keitel is intense and refreshingly cast as a hardened music manager, and Vince Vaughan gets a few laughs as Raji, a white man trying to get some respect by acting like a black rapper.

The laughs may come from the supporting actors, but it's Travolta who provides the cool. Put Travolta in a suit and he's cool, and he probably doesn't even need the suit. Without appearing to do much at all, Travolta totally encompasses the role of Chili, and is able to utter the words "be cool" without appearing too idiotic.

Be Cool continues to pass judgment on the vacuous Hollywood entertainment industry, but this time round Chili has decided to quit the movie business and move into the music industry. A friend of his owns an independent record label and is assassinated while they are lunching. Chili sees the perfect opportunity to move in on his business alongside the recently widowed Edie (Thurman).

With Russian mobsters, thug-like music managers, and gangsta rappers demanding payment, there is quite a bit to deal with, and Chili finds it a little harder than expected to launch his new protege Linda Moon, played by singer Christina Milian. Despite murdering an Aerosmith song alongside Steven Tyler, Milian manages to keep up with her talented co-stars, but only just.

Anyone expecting a sharp and witty film will be disappointed. Be Cool doesn't have the edge of Get Shorty. It provides no real insight into the music industry and the jokes don't seem to be as cutting.

Travolta and Thurman come across as mates hanging out together on a film set, rather than two characters falling in love - a bit like watching Pitt and Clooney pretend to work in Ocean's 12.

Throwing a dance sequence into the mix does not automatically create a film of Pulp Fiction's cult status, but Be Cool is an amusing watch.

CAST: Uma Thurman, John Travolta, The Rock, Vince Vaughn, Harvey Keitel, Christina Milian
DIRECTOR: F. Gary Gray
RUNNING TIME: 119 minutes
RATING: M (low level violence)
SCREENING: Village, Hoyts and Berkeley