Army & Coop

Army & Coop is an American comedy film released in 2018. Directed by Dennis Hefter, the movie stars Heath C. Heine, Cali June, and Ben Hilzer. While it's primarily a story of redemption, the movie also examines themes of friendship, the consequences of actions, the past’s influencing grip, and the importance of finding oneself.

The film's protagonist, Mike "Army" Armstrong, played by Heath C. Heine, is an ex-hockey all-star who's received a lifetime ban from the sport due to his cavalier attitude and unforgiving behavior. After his hockey career takes a swan dive, he finds solace in the last place he ever expected – a dive bar situated in the heart of a small town. Army’s monotonous life takes a sharp turn when on a cold day in the middle of winter, he runs into his old friend and comrade, Jeff 'The Heater' Coopman (Ben Hilzer).

Coop is a fellow ousted hockey player who holds his past in high regard, although his life has also taken a fall after receiving his own ban from hockey. Both of them are forced to face their past mistakes and come together in an environment that doesn’t entirely foster growth. The chemistry between these leading actors is palpable, creating a believable dynamic of long-term friendship blended with a shared history of failure.

Here, we see the introduction of another character, Jane (Cali June), who plays Army's love interest. She crosses paths with Army at the bar and ignites a spark of change. Army fetched serious feelings for Jane, yet their connection is threatened by the forces outside their control. Jane’s role finds a perfect blend of love interest and pivotal character in Army's journey, invigorating the comedy with much-needed female energy amidst the male-dominated narrative.

While the small-town bar serves as hallowed ground for the ex-hockey players, it provides a prism through which we explore larger themes. The beauty lies in how Army & Coop interpret their respective tragedies – a collision of brash humor and sincere moments of vulnerability. The movie indulges in raunchy comedy without its essence getting lost.

The use of humor by director Dennis Hefter considerably lightens the otherwise heavy gravity of mistakes, regret, and life's apparent failures. The punchlines are meticulously crafted and do not come across as forced; it's calculated yet effortless. They hit when you least expect them, reminiscent of cult, nostalgic, and low-budget comedies of the nineties.

Army & Coop’s script is criminally underrated. The efficient wordplay and awful-yet-lovable dialogues are what make the movie immensely entertaining. The director, Dennis Hefter, seems to have taken cues from screwball comedies, introducing an element of lunacy within an otherwise placid suburban setting.

The filming style, the raw and practical effects, and everything in between tie everyone into a small world, making viewers feel right at home. The simple, neat, and clean visuals give the audience a real-time and close-up experience of the characters' intriguing lives and the comfy town they reside in. Dishing out a vivid visual treat, the film's cinematographer does a good job of capturing the essence of the narrative in every frame.

Packed with light-hearted comedy, the film manages to strike a perfect balance between humor and heart, featuring characters that are well-defined and intriguing to watch. Everyone associated with the film appears to be having such a good time that the enjoyment is contagious.

Heath C. Heine, Ben Hilzer, and Cali June depict their characters in an appealing, authentic manner, and their performances only add to the charm of the film. It also offers depth beyond the laughter and the jokes, making it an entertaining film that holds an emotional resonance with its audience.

Army & Coop takes viewers on an emotional ride full of laughter, tears, and a splash of nostalgia. Thus, it is much more than just another comedy flick. It indeed brings up a sincere story about friendship, sacrifice, love, and second chances in life.

In summary, Army & Coop is an entertaining film with the right blend of comedy and drama - the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, leaving the viewer with a warm, satisfied grin.