If you're nostalgic for Travolta, Thurman, Keitel or any of the others, you may well love Be Cool. We know – we loved.

But if you expect “Be Cool” to repeat the success of1995 John Travolta crime comedy "Get Shorty" – don’t bother. It’s a totally different movie. And that’s why we like it.

Based on funny-tough Elmore Leonard novel and blessed with a smartly packaged Danny DeVito Jersey Films production, "Be Cool" is a L.A.-sunny, colorful and very stylishly put together. Tanned goddess Uma Thurman wears skimpy Missoni bikini and in-your-eye Pucci tops, John Travolta is impeccable in his black suits, and cute-as-puppy Christina Milian is equally stunning in her waitress dress and Voyage top while doing an impressive duet with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.

"Be Cool" story here involves Chili's attempts to break into L.A. music scene, which he is introduced to by an old Brooklyn buddy turned record label owner, Tommy Athens (played by James Woods). Also involved are Tommy's sexy widow, Edie (Thurman); some not quite convincing Russian gangsters; Burberry-clad music manager named Raji (Vince Vaughn); his gay actor-wannabe Samoan bodyguard, Elliot (The Rock); murderous music mogul Nick Carr (Harvey Keitel); and hot-tempered star producer Sin LaSalle (Cedric the Entertainer) and his gangsta retinue.

Chili and Edie are trying to make a star of extremely talented Linda Moon (played by Christina
Milian) by deleting her contract with Raji, at the same time paying out debts to Sin LaSalle, and getting out of “insurance scam” with Russian mafia. With the help of screenwriter Peter Steinfeld and director F. Gary Gray the Be Cool movie provides a very classic comedy that, to me, is hilarious and way ahead of the rest in terms of quality and style.

No matter how sour other reviewers are, our humble opinions about "Be Cool" are that:

• A movie where Uma Thurman dances with John Travolta cannot be too bad

• A movie where Cedric the Entertainer plays an quick-tempered MBA-honored gangsta rap boss, cannot be boring

• A movie where Christina Milian performs a duet with Steven Tyler – and the song is so well sung, you’ll be left astonished – is not a cheap movie, no way.

• A movie where The Rock slaps his butt and wears tacky 70-s style suits, is just enough queer

• When you fall sick of hybrid Hondas, you’ll get to see a newest Maibach, too. And a bunch of sleek silver Hummers. (Watch for Cedrick.)

To us, all above means money and time well spent.

© Julie Gabriel, Fashion Monitor 

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