The Gambler

MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, and for some sexuality/nudity.
Run Time: 111 Minutes
My Rating: 2.5/5
So today I went and saw Paramount Pictures' The Gambler starring Mark Wahlberg (Transformers Age of Extinction), Jessica Lange (FX's American Horror Story), and John Goodman (Monster's University).  The film details the story of Jim Bennett a risk-taker and down-on-his-luck English professor who just doesn't know when to walk away.  After borrowing money from a gangster and a casino owner with his own life as collateral and 1 week to pay his debts, his life continues to spiral out of control.  As the clock winds down it is up to Jim to take the biggest risk of his life or suffer his biggest consequence.
I really didn't know what to expect when I walked into the theater, but for the most part I was entertained throughout the entire film. Seeing Jim Bennett gamble is nerve-wracking in an of itself. Seeing this guy throw away all his money is hard to watch. However probably the greatest part about this film comes from its two supporting actors Jessica Lange and John Goodman.  Jessica Lange plays Jim Bennett's mom struggling with her dysfunctional relationship with her son and his gambling problem.  She brings so much wit and charm to her performance that it is impossible not to like her.  John Goodman, on the other hand, plays a loan shark who loans Jim money to pay off his debts.  I have been a John Goodman fan for years and even in this role he still brings greatness.  He does everything right with his performance and it completely enhances the movie-going experience. I would see this film again just for his performance.
Though the casting was impeccable, even the best actors can't help but fall into the wrong movie. Though I thought that the film was entertaining, the entire time I was in the theater I was thinking to myself why make this movie.  I just wasn't connected to the plot as I had hoped that I would be.  Also I felt like the plot was so generic and plain that it seemed like the writers were stretching to try to get this film over an hour.  Mark Wahlberg's character was making the same choices again and again and it just felt like I was watching the same film over and over again.
Overall, I thought the film was ok.  I was entertained throughout, but the plot just seemed too thin. This definitely is not the worst film I have ever seen.  I would recommend this film if you didn't have anything else to do, but I wouldn't tell you to go out of your way and see it.

Thanks again for reading, if you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!!