That it's a Merv Griffin Production should serve fair warning enough(tv guy), but the temptation by RX-types to see anything gambling oriented is such a strong pull, this movie is to Rounders or Cincy Kid, what Pool Hall Junkies was to The Hustler & Color Of Money..cliche ridden derivative lacking strong original subplot hooked to the hustle.
The cliches fly from the Dean(Stallone in Get Carter character meets Mr.Lonnigan mode add pink lipstick), The Mechanic(Townsend w/ more of a true talent meets chops role..more Vincent/Johnny Doyle/Mike McD than Worm), The Mark(Foxx visiting his buddy Wayans' Last Boy Scout role..as talented jiveass that can't see the big picture), The Professor(Hal Holbrook revisits his Wall St Lou & ""President's Men Deep Throat role of salty dog wisdom), token broads(Newton is decent snake, while Griffith is Milk Money/Born Yesterday/Lulu mode), token hit men, token appearance of mob boss/bankroll,etc..
Lacks character development outside of two characters, races thru storyline, dismisses realism, doesn't address Poker at all..
I still found it redeeming enough to say waste two hours when it hits the tube or rental counter, but if you need a fix..Grifters, Rounders, Cali Split, Cincy Kid are better a thirtieth time.
Better yet, rent The Cooler, though imperfect, it has three excellent acted character roles in an overrated film/story plot.
Like all sports guys, I'm still waiting for a Scorcese film of sports gambling, with Nic Cage or John Turturro as an NYC or Seaboard born/Vegas-based wiseguy/mover/capper with a Stone Wall St-esque four-way shot of NYC/LV/Isles/Big Store in simulataneous real-time at two minutes to post on NFL noon action..Goodman & The Runner were laughable..when does Hollywood do it right?..it's been along time since James Caan & The Gambler!
[This message was edited by Horseshoe on May 03, 2004 at 07:43 PM.]
The cliches fly from the Dean(Stallone in Get Carter character meets Mr.Lonnigan mode add pink lipstick), The Mechanic(Townsend w/ more of a true talent meets chops role..more Vincent/Johnny Doyle/Mike McD than Worm), The Mark(Foxx visiting his buddy Wayans' Last Boy Scout role..as talented jiveass that can't see the big picture), The Professor(Hal Holbrook revisits his Wall St Lou & ""President's Men Deep Throat role of salty dog wisdom), token broads(Newton is decent snake, while Griffith is Milk Money/Born Yesterday/Lulu mode), token hit men, token appearance of mob boss/bankroll,etc..
Lacks character development outside of two characters, races thru storyline, dismisses realism, doesn't address Poker at all..
I still found it redeeming enough to say waste two hours when it hits the tube or rental counter, but if you need a fix..Grifters, Rounders, Cali Split, Cincy Kid are better a thirtieth time.
Better yet, rent The Cooler, though imperfect, it has three excellent acted character roles in an overrated film/story plot.
Like all sports guys, I'm still waiting for a Scorcese film of sports gambling, with Nic Cage or John Turturro as an NYC or Seaboard born/Vegas-based wiseguy/mover/capper with a Stone Wall St-esque four-way shot of NYC/LV/Isles/Big Store in simulataneous real-time at two minutes to post on NFL noon action..Goodman & The Runner were laughable..when does Hollywood do it right?..it's been along time since James Caan & The Gambler!
[This message was edited by Horseshoe on May 03, 2004 at 07:43 PM.]
