Cocktail (1988) Review: Tom Cruise's Flamboyant Bartending Drama

Simon (0:00)

Welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Today, we're reviewing Cocktail.

In the 1988 film Cocktail, directed by Roger Donaldson, we follow the journey of Bryan Flanagan, played by Tom Cruise, a young ex-military man with dreams of becoming a successful businessman. The movie is set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City and the picturesque beaches of Jamaica. Bryan, lacking a college degree, finds himself bartending to make ends meet while attending business school. His life takes a turn when he meets Doug Coughlin, played by Bryan Brown, a seasoned bartender who becomes his mentor. Together, they create a spectacle behind the bar, juggling bottles and performing tricks that captivate their audience.

The film attempts to explore themes of ambition, materialism and love, but it often falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. The plot is predictable, with Bryan's journey from a materialistic young man to someone who supposedly values love over money feeling more like a screenplay requirement than a genuine transformation. The romance between Bryan and Jordan Mooney, played by Elisabeth Shue, a waitress he meets in Jamaica, lacks depth and originality. Their relationship is marred by cliches and predictable twists, such as Jordan's unexpected pregnancy and her wealthy background. Critics have not been kind to Cocktail, often pointing out its formulaic storyline and shallow character development. The film's characters, including Bryan, Doug and Jordan, are often described as one-dimensional and unengaging. Bryan's materialistic nature makes him difficult to root for, while Doug's cynical outlook on life adds little depth to the story. Jordan, unfortunately, serves more as a plot device than a fully realised character, existing primarily to provide Bryan with a love interest.

Despite its shortcomings, Cocktail found commercial success, largely due to Tom Cruise's star power and the film's glossy presentation. The movie's soundtrack, featuring catchy tunes from the 80s, adds to its appeal as a guilty pleasure. The film's depiction of the fast-paced, materialistic lifestyle of the 80s resonates with audiences even if it does so in a superficial manner. The film's attempts at humour and drama often miss the mark, with some scenes unintentionally eliciting laughter rather than the intended emotional response. The choreography of the bartending scenes, while entertaining, feels more like a music video than a realistic portrayal of bartending. The film's message about the emptiness of materialism is muddled by its own indulgence in the very lifestyle it critiques. In summary, Cocktail is a film that entertains on a surface level but lacks the depth and originality to leave a lasting impression. Its predictable plot and shallow characters make it a forgettable entry in the romantic drama genre. However, for those looking for a nostalgic trip back to the 80s, or a showcase of Tom Cruise's early career charm, Cocktail might just be worth a watch. That wraps up my review of Cocktail, and I'm giving it one and a half stars out of a possible five stars.

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