Cool World Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cartoonist goes to his own comic book world and gets seduced by a cartoon babe who wants to become real, leading to interdimensional chaos and Brad Pitt looking confused.

🍿 Cool World: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Cool World

The film introduces two distinct worlds: the real world and Cool World, a realm inhabited by animated characters known as “doodles.” In 1945, WWII veteran Frank Harris experiences a tragic accident, leading him to Cool World, where he becomes a detective. This establishes the existence and rules of this alternate dimension, setting the stage for future events.

Jack Deebs Enters the Picture

In 1992, cartoonist Jack Deebs, the creator of the ‘Cool World’ comics based on his visions, is released from prison. He finds himself drawn into Cool World, encountering Frank and the alluring doodle Holli Would. Frank warns Jack about the dangers of interaction between humans and doodles, specifically the prohibition against sexual relations.

Holli’s Transformation and Pursuit

Despite Frank’s warnings, Jack is seduced by Holli, who then transforms into a human. They both enter the real world, causing instability and flickering between their original forms. Holli reveals her plan to use the “Spike of Power” to remain permanently human, while Frank and Jack team up to stop her and prevent further disruption between the two worlds.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack Deebs (Gabriel Byrne): A cartoonist who created Cool World while in prison and gets drawn into the alternate dimension he imagined.
• Holli Would (Kim Basinger): A sultry and ambitious doodle who seeks to become human by seducing Jack and crossing over to the real world.
• Frank Harris (Brad Pitt): A World War II veteran turned detective in Cool World who enforces the law against noids and doodles interacting.
• Nails (Charlie Adler): Frank’s arachnid doodle partner who assists him in maintaining order in Cool World.
• Lonette (N/A): A doodle waitress in Cool World with whom Frank is in love, but is unable to have a real relationship with.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frank Harris: “Noids don’t have sex with doodles!” – Frank warns Jack about the cardinal rule in Cool World, highlighting the dangerous consequences of interdimensional relationships.
• Holli Would: “I wanna be real!” – Holli’s driving motivation throughout the film, encapsulating her desire to transcend her cartoon existence.
• Frank Harris: “There are 80 million ways to die in the real world.” – Frank’s cynical assessment of the human world, reflecting his own tragic past and disillusionment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,110,589
• Worldwide Gross: $14,110,589

💥 Cool World Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Cool World’ is a mess, but I kind of love it? It’s like a train wreck you can’t look away from. The animation is wild and the story is all over the place, but Kim Basinger as Holli Would is unforgettable. There’s something about the film’s sheer audacity that’s strangely appealing. I remember watching it as a kid and being completely mesmerized. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I’ll always have a soft spot for this bizarre, chaotic movie. Plus that soundtrack is a banger!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of adult animation”
  • “Those interested in experimental films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate dark and surreal themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature content”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A visually chaotic and narratively thin attempt to blend live-action and animation. The film suffers from a lack of focus and underdeveloped characters, leaving audiences feeling disoriented rather than entertained. The visual style is certainly unique, but fails to compensate for the weak plot.
• RogerEbert.com: “A disastrous collision of animation and live-action that fails on almost every level. The story is incoherent, the characters are unappealing, and the visual style is grating. ‘Cool World’ is an embarrassment for all involved, a film that wastes talent and resources on a misguided concept.
• The New York Times: “Visually ambitious but ultimately empty, ‘Cool World’ tries to recapture the magic of ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ but falls short. Kim Basinger’s performance is particularly uninspired, and the film lacks the humor and heart that made its predecessor a classic. It’s a fascinating failure, but a failure nonetheless.

Audience Reactions

Some people think the visuals are a unique fever dream.: Opinions vary widely, with some appreciating the film’s audacity and unique visual style, while others find it incoherent and poorly executed.

Those Kim Basinger scenes? Unforgettable.: Kim Basinger’s portrayal of Holli Would is often cited as a memorable, albeit divisive, element of the film.

Overall Consensus: A visually chaotic and narratively weak film that has garnered a cult following despite widespread critical panning.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ralph Bakshi originally envisioned ‘Cool World’ as a horror film. Studio interference led to significant rewrites and changes in tone, much to Bakshi’s frustration.”
• “Kim Basinger reportedly rewrote parts of the script, aiming to make it suitable for sick children in hospitals, further deviating from Bakshi’s original vision.”
• “The film’s blend of animation and live-action was intended to create a living painting, but the effect was criticized for not seamlessly integrating the two mediums.”
• “Paramount Pictures created a publicity stunt by placing a huge cut-out of Holli Would on the D of the Hollywood sign which angered local residents, who picketed and demanded that the cut-out be taken down.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cool World?

Cool World is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules on cable networks. It is not currently available on major subscription streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cool World, you might like these similar films:

• Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988): A live-action/animation hybrid where a detective interacts with cartoon characters in a stylized world.
• Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards (1977): Another animated work by Ralph Bakshi known for its adult themes, mature content, and unique animation style.
• Space Jam (1996): Combines live-action and animation with real-world figures interacting with cartoon characters in a high-concept scenario.

🛒 Cool World Related Products

• Cool World [Blu-ray]: The film on Blu-ray format, allowing fans to experience the film in high definition with improved audio and video quality. A must-have for collectors.
• Cool World: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Available in various formats, the soundtrack features iconic artists like David Bowie, Thompson Twins, and Moby. A nostalgic journey through the film’s unique musical landscape.
• Cool World: Holli Would T-Shirt: A custom-designed t-shirt featuring Holli Would. High-quality print ensures long-lasting vibrancy and comfort. Available in various sizes.
• Ralph Bakshi: The Art of Controversy: Dive deep into the mind of Ralph Bakshi with this book that explores his artistic journey and the controversy surrounding his films. Offers insights into his creative process and the making of ‘Cool World’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cool World features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Real Cool World” – performed by David Bowie
• “Play With Me” – performed by Thompson Twins
• “The Devil Does Drugs” – performed by My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult
• “Disappointed” – performed by Electronic

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

We are prostitutes: Cool World

Ever wondered what makes Holli Would so iconic? This fan tribute dives deep into her character, and honestly, it’s hard not to be captivated by her! Check it out!

Bad Girls Holli & Jessica

Holli Would and Jessica Rabbit, similar vibes or totally different? This video compares the two, and it makes you think about what makes a memorable animated ‘bad girl’! I think they are both awesome, what do you think?

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