A GOOD GAMBLE
Remade from the 1974 film, The Gambler (2014) is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Wholly different than the original, it sure has the needed charisma to do that. Made under the direction of excellent filmmaker Rupert Wyatt, the script was reportedly offered to many top directors, including Martin Scorsese. The rumors also include the makers approaching Leonardo DiCaprio to play the lead part, which finally fell into Mark Wahlberg’s kitty. The film also features George Kennedy giving his last performance before passing away in 2016.
PROFESSOR CUM GAMBLER
Jim Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), an English literature professor at an institute of Los Angeles by day, turns into a gambler by night. He is portrayed as more of a rich guy who doesn’t give a damn about anything except getting high on gambling. His obsessions multiply after becoming the heir to his grandfather’s legacy.
OOZING ARROGANCE AND OVER-CONFIDENCE
Just fifteen minutes into the film, he is shown to win big at the blackjack table, then he doubles down and — poof! –all gone! He enters the game again with loaned money, earns big and loses everything — again! This all goes on with the great gambler still refusing to accept him as the “the gambler.”
More of his arrogant and careless behavior can be seen when Bennett starts criticizing his students for lacking interest and the urge for learning literature.
THE GAMBLER IN PITFALL
Soon the gambling helps him to end up in a whirlpool of colossal issues. Jim now owes $240,000 to the deadly gambling ring owner, Lee (Alvin Ing) and another $50,000 to a loan shark, Neville Baraka (Michael Kenneth Williams). Jim is left with seven days to come up with this lump sum amount and repay them or face death!
The loan sharks continue to remain on his back and he is forced to ask money from his wealthy mother, Roberta (Jessica Lange). Tired of paying his multiple debts, Roberta refuses her son any further monetary assistance.
A RAY OF HOPE
In the midst of this whirlwind, he still manages to have feelings for his student, Amy Phillips (Brie Larson), who works as a waitress at the gambling den. The adorable and lovely Amy makes him want to have more of life apart from gambling.
Continue the roller-coaster ride at UK online gambling. Also, know if Jim will repay his debts and save himself or get pulled down by the whirlpool!
FINALLY!
As a professor and a gambler, Mark Wahlberg has done tremendous justice to his part in both the characters. Ms. Larson can also be seen showcasing her exceptional talent under both personages of student and waitress. With crisp editing, and no unnecessary parts or scenes, the remake is laid out very well (one cannot expect anything less from Mr. Wyatt). The movie has its ups and downs, but the viewer can count on mostly ups.