Rolling the Dice: A Review of the Latest Gambling Movies

Hollywood has long been known for its love of the gambling industry, with films like Casino and The Hangover finding both critical and financial success.

A new wave of gambling-related movies has recently been released in cinemas and streaming sites, providing new insights into the highs and lows of taking chances on UFC Predictions and many others.

In order to determine whether they’re worth watching, this article will examine some of the newest gambling movies in-depth.

The Card Counter

The Card Counter is a new movie directed by Paul Schrader, the screenwriter behind classic films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull.

The film follows William Tell (Oscar Isaac), a former soldier who now makes a living playing high-stakes poker. He’s haunted by a dark past and seeks redemption through a young man he meets at a casino.

The Card Counter has been praised for its solid performances and complex characters, with Isaac delivering a standout performance as the brooding Tell. However, some critics have found the film slow and meandering, with a convoluted plot that’s hard to follow at times.

Croupier

Croupier is a British film that was initially released in 1998 but has recently gained renewed attention thanks to its availability on streaming services.

The movie stars Clive Owen as a struggling writer who takes a job as a croupier at a London casino. As he becomes more deeply involved in the world of gambling, he begins to see his life as fodder for a novel. Croupier has been praised for its sharp writing and Owen’s captivating performance.

The film also provides an exciting look at the psychology of gambling and how it can affect even those who are on the periphery of the industry.

The Gambler

The Gambler happens to be a 2014 remake of a 1974 film of the same name. The movie stars Mark Wahlberg as Jim Bennett, a literature professor with a gambling addiction.

As he spirals deeper into debt, he turns to a loan shark (played by John Goodman) to help him out of his predicament. The Gambler has been criticized for its derivative plot and lack of originality, but Wahlberg’s performance has been praised as one of his best.

The film also features strong supporting performances from Goodman and Jessica Lange.

Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems is a 2019 film directed by the Safdie brothers, who are known for their gritty, street-level dramas.

The movie stars Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler with a gambling addiction. When he acquires a rare opal, he sees it as a chance to get out of debt and make a big score. However, his plans are complicated by his reckless behavior and the people around him who want a piece of the action.

Uncut Gems has been hailed as a masterpiece by some critics, with Sandler’s performance as a standout. However, the film’s frenetic pace and chaotic plot have turned off some viewers who found it too overwhelming.

Mississippi Grind

Mississippi Grind is a 2015 film that stars Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn as two gamblers who team up for a road trip down the Mississippi River.

The movie has been praised for its solid performances and the chemistry between the two leads. It’s a character-driven story that explores the ups and downs of gambling and the friendships that can form in the unlikeliest places.

Mississippi Grind is a slow-burning film that rewards patient viewers with a satisfying conclusion.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, gambling movies continue to be popular in Hollywood, with new films offering fresh perspectives on the highs and lows of taking risks. The Card Counter and Croupier provide insightful looks into the psychology of gambling, while The Gambler and Uncut Gems provide intense, character-driven stories with standout performances.

Mississippi Grind delivers a slower, more patient look at the friendships that can form in the gambling world. Overall, these latest gambling movies are worth a watch for anyone interested in the thrill of taking risks.