“Poolman” is an American comedy mystery film directed, produced, co-written by and starring Chris Pine in his directorial debut. It takes place in sunny LA, California, and despite the rambling script, and uneven dialogue I actually liked the comical movie. Pine immediately reminded me of Jeff Bridges in the “Big Lebowski” his character as poolman or pooldude definitely has shades of ‘The Dude,” although I didn’t get to many catch phrases, maybe, “follow the water.” The co-stars, Annette Bening and Danny DeVito add the comedic moments as DeVito never stops with the one-liners.
The scene I was waiting for is when the pooldude might put on a bathrobe and go outside into the city wearing it. Well, sure enough, midway through the film, he puts on a woman’s gold, shiny, silky bathrobe and rides around at night on his motorcycle. That was one of the awesome scenes, dude! The general plot of an obsessed pool cleaner changes gears quickly as he becomes involved in a mystery concerning LA’s water supply, although that makes sense, right? He is, after all, the poolman, and a poolman is around water 24-7.
What I found condescending is the line, “You may be poolman, but you’re one hell of a detective, and you’re also my best friend, says DeVito. I felt that was a huge mistake in a comedy as putting down anyone’s job is not cool. Yes, the script does suffer a bit, particularly in the heated scene between the poolman and his later girlfriend, who cons him, saying, “I would never be with a poolman.” Again, it’s not cool, too meanspirited for a comedy. For the most part, I enjoyed the fun banter and seeing Stephen Tobolowsky on screen as his memorable performance in “Groundhog Day” is classic; here, it is very funny as well. I’d say check out the movie.
Director: Chris Pine
Screenplay: Chris Pine, Ian Gotler
Cast: Chris Pine, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Stephen Tobolowsky, Danny DeVito, Annette Bening
Studio: AGC Studios
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Sarah Knight Adamson@September 13, 2023