The Gambler...

anon(4698833)

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Sep 7, 2010
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I'll start by saying that I was very excited to see this movie because the tone the trailer presented...I have never seen the original movie this was based on (though I've been told it's not really a "remake" so to speak), and I didn't really look into the details of this story because to me, the trailer had sold me enough to want to see it.

I'll start with the story...and this is a fair warning to anyone going to see it. This movie isn't a sexy heist movie by any means, nor is it a movie like 21, which follows tactic card counting and taking advantage of underground or legitimate casinos. Nope, it's not even REMOTELY about either of those things (despite what the trailer leads you to believe).

What this movie is absolutely and 100% about is a man with a gambling PROBLEM...and the dark and very depressing way it takes control of their life, thoughts and decisions. Sounds good right? Wrong.

It's utter GARBAGE. The writing is ridiculously pretentious. The dialogue is forceful psycho-babble that flirts with comedy at times...and not because it's trying to, but because it's so ridiculous, you can't believe how absolutely stupid the characters sound while attempting to see "genius".

Mark Wahlberg was horrifically miscast in this role...it doesn't fit him at all, and his acting ability matched with his normal dialogue delivery just make for an absolutely unwatchable role. It was like he was searching for something sophisticated, and saw the script and jumped at it without even verifying that the content was actually worth a damn. In the end, it hurts his potential serious roles in the future, and to me, makes him seem desperate for the 'next level'.

I regret watching this movie. That's how bad I thought it was. I would never recommend it, even for free in your living room, to ANYONE.
 

Beyond Fire

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Nov 23, 2012
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Sean I always enjoy your movie reviews as they help save me time and money! I will definitely avoid this movie at all cost! Although I did see Exodus yesterday and yeah it was bad.