A Review of ‘Cooper’s Bar’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for ‘Cooper’s Bar’.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that everyone has a love affair with Hollywood, and often view show business as perhaps the most glamorous job out there, and rightfully so. After all, Tinsel Town is a place where dreams come true and where writers, and actors, and directors, and the crew of any project… spend their days creating incredible new worlds that captivate us and leave us thinking, so who wouldn’t want to be part of that? In fact, Hollywood is so alluring to the masses… that there are even stories that explore the struggles of making it in ‘the biz’, in a whimsical manner... to politely remind those who want in on Hollywood to chase their dream… so they too can enjoy the wonder of creating for a living.

But while it is wonderful to know that the magic of Tinsel Town hasn’t faded in the slightest and that so many still see it as the destination for dreams come true, the fact of the matter is… Hollywood and the entertainment industry are indeed a business. One that requires more than just a dream, and a can-do attitude, to find success within it. It also requires hard work, an iron constitution and patience, and a level of dedication and love that we’ve never had for anything else in this life. Because success in Hollywood doesn’t come overnight and is wrought with failure and tough days and thankfully, there are stories that are now hitting the market that speak to that reality. Not to ruin the fantasy of Hollywood, but to really paint a realistic picture for those that want in on Show Biz and it just so happens… that AMC’s website and YouTube channel is now host to a lighthearted story in this vein entitled, Cooper’s Bar.

Now in this particular tale, we are introduced to a struggling actor named Cooper Marino, who is at a crossroads. Because the audition rejections just keep piling up, leaving Cooper to wonder if maybe it is time to pack it in and head back home to Buffalo and try something new. But a chance encounter with Kris Latimer, one of the biggest executives (and d*cks) in the business, in his backyard bar… leads to the chance of a lifetime for Cooper. Wherein he could potentially land his own pilot, provided he can navigate the politics and pressures of the industry and well… that plot leads to the honest examination in question. Since it showcases how tough it is to make it in this business, how competitive it is and how sometimes, a little bit of luck is what leads to a break. Not to mention, some of the darker side of the industry is exhibited via Kris… since her machinations speak to how cold this business can be. 

But there was mention of this story handling this in a lighthearted manner and that is handled by way of the comedy in this tale. Since it does use a bevy of jokes and quirky moments to treat some of the tougher stuff in a satirical manner. Not to mention it also features perhaps the most epic wing-eating contest to ever hit the small screen, one that offers up the finest laughs of the entire series, thanks to its side-splitting ending. But all humor and fun aside, where this series truly shines… is in the heart it brings to the table. Because at the core of everything, is Cooper’s dream. Which is to be the lead actor in a show that makes sense for him and nourishes his creativity and that… is what makes this show inspiring and uplifting for certain. Because Coop never compromises his vision for his career and never stops believing in the dream and does all the right things to obtain it. 

If anything, this is just… a wonderful series when all is said and done. One that is also anchored by some wonderful performances as well. With Louis Maustillo (Cooper) and Rhea Seehorn (Kris) being of note here, since they steal the show with their acting chops. Because they bring a real honesty to their characters and offer gravity in every moment they are on the screen. But what matters most, is that Cooper’s Bar is an inspirational story for a new age of entertainment. One that is honest and hopeful and downright fun, and you simply cannot go wrong with a story that asks the dreamers of the world to really take a moment and ask themselves if their dream is what they truly want in life and if they’re willing to tough it out to get it. Because that’s what it will take to get them across the finish line and well… now that we’ve reached the end of this particular journey, one can hope that AMC will commission another season of this show… so we can get more biting and hilarious commentary on the business and all the wonder and strife it has to offer.

---