The Gambler, directed by Rupert Wyatt, is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name. Sadly this remake is markedly inferior to the classic from the 1970s starring James Caan. In this remake, Jessica Lange gives a great performance and John Goodman has imposing presence (there's even a moment when he reminds us of Brandon's rendition of Kurtz in Apocalypse Now ). The problem lies with Mark Whalberg's unconvincing performance and the rather striking lack of psychological depth that taints the film.
In The Gamble r, according to the official synopsis, "Jim Bennett (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 (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."
Cue overly-dramatic imaginings of how professors lecture, no insight into what makes gambling addictive, no indications as to why Jim is so bent on destroying himself or when the tipping point occurs. Oh and a scene with Jim running an impressive distance worthy of elite marathon athletes.
Our rating: 6 Steps out of 10.
Watch the trailer: