The 1988 classic, Cocktail, showcases a pivotal year in cinematic history that also gave us renowned films like Big, featuring Tom Hanks as a boy longing for the simplicity of childhood, and Rain Man, in which Dustin Hoffman delivers a memorable portrayal of an autistic savant. Among the noteworthy releases of that year, we also highlight Coming to America, starring Eddie Murphy, and several others, marking 1988 as a significant point in film evolution.
Initially hesitant to delve into the world of Cocktail, my apprehensions were compounded when I checked its IMDb rating, which was a modest 5.7 out of 10. The metascore was even less favorable, at a mere 12 out of 100. However, after sifting through various critiques, I came across this humorous take: > "Cocktail makes beer commercials look deep, makes 'Top Gun' look like 'Hamlet.'" - Jay Carr, Boston Globe, 29 Jul 1988.
The film introduces us to Brian Flanagan, brilliantly portrayed by Tom Cruise, a young soldier brimming with hopes of striking it rich in the bustling landscape of New York City. With aspirations soaring high, Brian finds himself at a significant juncture: to either take on a bartending job or return to the confines of his parents' home. Choosing the former, he enrolls in business college while taking up bartending as a part-time gig.
Enter Doug Coughlin, played by Bryan Brown, who becomes Brian's mentor in the art of bartending, teaching him the tricks of the trade that blend both flair and charm. Together, the dynamic duo rises to prominence in the New York bartending scene, hatching plans to launch their own series of bars, aptly named "Cocktails & Dreams."
Amidst the revelry, Brian's life takes a turn when he becomes entangled with the enchanting Coral, played by Gina Gershon. However, Doug bets Brian that this relationship is purely superficial, ultimately leading to a betrayal that leaves Brian's heart shattered and yearning for a fresh start. This prompts him to venture to Jamaica in pursuit of his dreams, fueled by his desire to create a bar empire.
In this tropical paradise, he meets Jordan Mooney, portrayed by Elisabeth Shue. Their romance blossoms with romantic escapades that evoke the spirit of the island, until complications arise from Brian's past and Jordan's unexpected revelations regarding her plans for a family. As fate weaves its intricate web, Brian grapples with the consequences of his choices, particularly after a reckless encounter with socialite Bonnie, adding to the tumult of his growing ambitions.
The narrative unfolds as Brian navigates the challenges presented by love, ambition, and friendship, ultimately leading him on a journey of self-discovery. After a series of emotional ups and downs, including confronting loss and unexpected twists involving Doug, who has fallen from grace, Brian realizes what truly matters in life: not just wealth, but the connections we build with others.
Setting forth to rekindle his romance with Jordan, the movie culminates in a harrowing showdown with their respective identities, aspirations, and family legacies, driving Brian to pursue his dreams more vigorously than ever. By the end, Brian establishes "Flanagan's Cocktails & Dreams," a bar that symbolizes both his ambitions and the love that led him there.
In essence, Cocktail serves as a timeless coming-of-age tale. It illustrates the importance of recognizing the true value in one’s life, emphasizing that real wealth lies in the relationships we cherish rather than material possessions. As Brian learns, the opportunity to embrace what we have is frequently fleeting—a lesson that resonates through the ages.
And when he pours, indeed, he reigns.
