The Brink's Job (1978)

Crime story based on the real armed robbery of the Brink's Building in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 17th, 1950.

From memory: Professionally made, star-cast heist movie is offered with humor, but not much excitement.

Halliwell (no star): "Farcical variation of a much-told true tale. Despite much mugging by the stars and a frantic narrative style, it does not come off."

Maltin***: "Entertaining, comically oriented account...Excellent period and location flavor."

Cruising (1980)

A police detective goes undercover in the underground S&M gay subculture of New York City to catch a serial killer who is preying on gay men.

From memory: more exploitative than effective thriller seems to revel in the sleazy underworld it presents; still, Al Pacino does another great job in the lead role.

Halliwell (no star): "Alleged thriller with phoney pretensions and repellent detail."

Maltin*1/2: "...distasteful, badly scripted film. Gay world is presented as sick, degrading, and ritualistic."

The Cooler (2003)

In an old school Las Vegas casino, its top gambling jinx breaks his curse when he falls in love, much to his boss' consternation.

Unusual and quite original story wins through intelligent direction and a perfect cast.

Maltin***: "Clever story is perfectly cast; Baldwin is terrific as the hard-edged casino boss who decries the transformation of Vegas into Disneyland. Everything clicks - until the final scene."