Cocktail (1988), directed by Roger Donaldson, is a vibrant blend of romance, drama, and unforgettable bartending theatrics. Starring Tom Cruise at the height of his 80s stardom, the film takes viewers on a journey through ambition, love, and self-discovery. In this week’s episode of Born to Watch, we dive into this cult classic that turned bartending into an art form and cemented Cruise’s place as a Hollywood superstar.
The story follows Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise), a young and ambitious ex-soldier chasing his dream of success in New York City. When the corporate world shuts its doors, Brian stumbles into bartending as a temporary gig, only to discover a natural talent for flair bartending. Under the mentorship of the seasoned and cynical Doug Coughlin (played by Bryan Brown), Brian learns how to work a crowd, flipping bottles and dazzling customers with his showmanship. However, as Brian’s success grows, so do his personal struggles, leading him down a path of betrayal, heartbreak, and eventual redemption.
At the heart of Cocktail is Tom Cruise’s magnetic performance. Brian Flanagan embodies the 80s dreamer archetype: brash, ambitious, and endlessly charismatic. Cruise’s charm and energy light up the screen, especially in the iconic bartending sequences, where he flips bottles and mixes drinks to a high-energy soundtrack. His chemistry with Bryan Brown adds depth to the film, as their mentor-protégé relationship oscillates between camaraderie and conflict.
The film’s romantic storyline takes center stage when Brian meets Jordan Mooney (Elisabeth Shue), a kind-hearted artist who becomes his emotional anchor. Their relationship begins amidst the idyllic backdrop of Jamaica, where the film’s tropical setting shines. The romance is tender and heartfelt, serving as a counterpoint to the high-energy nightlife scenes. Shue’s performance brings sincerity and warmth to the story, grounding it with emotional authenticity.
One of the most memorable aspects of Cocktail is its portrayal of flair bartending—a style of drink preparation that combines skill, choreography, and entertainment. These high-octane sequences are set to a vibrant soundtrack featuring hits like “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys and “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer. The music and bartending choreography infuses the film with a lively, infectious energy that captures the spirit of 80s nightlife.
Beneath the glitz and glamour, Cocktail explores themes of ambition and self-discovery. Brian’s journey reveals the pitfalls of chasing material success at the expense of personal fulfilment. His relationships—with Doug, Jordan, and even himself—force him to confront his values and redefine what success truly means.
While Cocktail isn’t without its flaws, including a tendency to lean on clichés, its charm and energy have earned it a devoted following. Decades later, it remains a nostalgic favourite, celebrated for its unforgettable bartending scenes, iconic soundtrack, and Tom Cruise’s star power.
Join us on Born to Watch as we revisit Cocktail (1988), a movie that’s as much about dreams and love as it is about mixing the perfect drink. Cheers!
