Lit professor and gambler Jim Bennett's debt causes him to borrow money from his mother and a loan shark. Further complicating his situation is his relationship with one of his students. Will Bennett risk his life for a second chance?
Wahlberg finds his most interesting role since The Departed in a film that’s heavy on atmosphere and suspense but shy of a full deck when it comes to characterisation.
A rare grown up thriller, full of interesting bits and a strong turn from Wahlberg. But as a whole Wyatt’s film doesn’t grip as it might.
Reviving Karel Reisz’s 1974 heavyweight drama – which starred James Caan as a literature professor with a gambling addiction – provides ample opportunity for Wahlberg to demonstrate his acting chops.
A total bust.
Kind of admirable, never less than watchable, but a bit of a mess.
The 1974 film scripted by James Toback is relocated to Los Angeles, and turned into something pretty preposterous in the process.
A remake of the 1974 Karel Reisz film, itself adapted from Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 1867 short novel, this is a misconceived and strangely cast affair that can't work out its own attitude toward its main character.
The film exudes a swaggering confidence in its punchy dialogue and eclectic soundtrack that even includes Pulp’s Common People.
Verdict: Don't risk it.
Where the original had gritty authenticity thanks to Caan’s ability to play tough guy and smart guy, plus screenwriter James Toback’s autobiographical understanding of the world he’d created (he was a compulsive gambler and city college lecturer before writing it), the new film is much slicker and much less concerned with plausibility.
A sombre remake of the 1974 drama with James Caan, The Gambler is best enjoyed as a demonstration of Mark Wahlberg’s versatility.
Despite stylish direction by Rupert Wyatt, who pulls off a few arresting set pieces, The Gambler never manages to make sense of William Monahan’s often laughably overripe screenplay.
General release. Check local listings for show times.