The first red band trailer for THE GAMBLER gave us very little from Mark Wahlberg and a lot from John Goodman and Jessica Lange. This new trailer puts a lot more of the plot into perspective while also showcasing Michael Kenneth Williams, Brie Larson, and Wahlberg himself.
THE GAMBLER, a remake of the James Caan film, looks to be a nice thriller but also a deep performance from Mark Wahlberg that we only get to see in rarely while he spends time making movies like TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION. This take on THE GAMBLER looks a lot more action-oriented than I expected but could also be a nice taut crime movie.
Jim Bennett (Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg) is a risk taker. Both an English professor and a high-stakes gambler, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster (Michael Kenneth Williams) and offers his own life as collateral. Always one step ahead, Bennett pits his creditor against the operator of a gambling ring (Alvin Ing) and leaves his dysfunctional relationship with his wealthy mother (Academy Award® winner Jessica Lange) in his wake. He plays both sides, immersing himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of Frank (John Goodman), a loan shark with a paternal interest in Bennett’s future. As his relationship with a student (Brie Larson) deepens, Bennett must take the ultimate risk for a second chance…
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Brie Larson looks solid and John Goodman looks more menacing than we have seen in a while, but hot damn if Jessica Lange doesn’t fit right back on the big screen. After her acclaimed roles on AMERICAN HORROR STORY, THE GAMBLER looks like just the type of performance that warrants Best Supporting Actress discussions. I am a fan of Lange and this entire cast. Director Rupert Wyatt may have a big win on his hands here.
THE GAMBLER opens in limited release on December 19th.
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