Becky and I went to see the new Mark Wahlberg movie The Gambler at the Regal Cinemas in Lone Tree, CO this past Weekend. The Moviefone website at The Gambler describes the movie as follows…
“Literature professor Jim Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) leads a secret life as a high-stakes gambler. Always a risk-taker, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster and offers his own life as collateral. Staying one step ahead, he pits his creditor against the operator of an illicit gambling ring while garnering the attention of Frank (John Goodman), a paternalistic loan shark. As his relationship with a student (Brie Larson) deepens, Bennett must risk everything for a second chance…”
The Review: This movie not only had a pretty cool movie poster that would look good hanging on the office wall of a Mark Wahlberg fan, but it had a really off the wall story to go along with it. It opens up with the lead character going into an underground gambling casino to play. I’m thinking he’s going to sit down and play poker for the night with mad genius skills taking everyone for their money. Nope. He plays blackjack and within a few minutes has lost thousands of dollars and you are wondering if this guy has a brain.
We soon discovered that this guy is a train wreck in deep with gangsters and continues to get further in debt. It doesn’t make any sense because the guy has the Life of Riley with no other obligations in life or to people other than the people he is gambling his life with and that is what makes it interesting. He’s an unhappy dude who is a bit of a spoiled brat because life is just too easy for him. He meets some fascinating characters along the way though, including a young writer that he finds attractive, a gifted basketball player, a gifted tennis player and three different types of gangsters. His Mom is played by Jessica Lange and she does a great job playing a rich woman who loves her confused son.
I found it to be entertaining and I really liked it. Becky wasn’t very interested in it though and found it boring, so we are not in agreement on this one. I definitely thought it was Worth The Trip and could see it again and Becky thought it was at best a Rental or a Don’t Bother.
John – *** Worth The Trip
Becky – ** Rental
Sponsored By: SHAREMERCHANT.com: Get paid to share! Find out how you can earn $1,500 a month using and recommending products with a low cost business. Become a Share Merchant!
________________________________________________________________
Auto Consultant – John Boyd: The Cool Car Guy
John is an auto consultant and owner of CoolCarGuy.com with his license at a car dealership in Denver, Colorado. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase or consign your vehicle – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle! jboyd@coolcarguy.com or Twitter@coolcarguy