Review: 'The Gambler' goes all in with Wahlberg

1976 remake hits theaters on Christmas

DETROIT – Gambling is bad. Seriously, if you have $260,000, don't gamble it. Just don't.

From the start of The Gambler, a remake of a 1976 film starring James Caan, a very different Mark Wahlberg is seen. It's not his normal role.

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"This particular part was an opportunity for me to do something different," the actor told a news conference. "I am used to playing the underdog, as opposed to the guy who has everything."

The Gambler opens on Christmas Day, and chronicles 7-days in the life of Jim Bennett, a man with a very bad gambling habit -- although, he claims he's not a gambler. Bennett is a college professor by day, and a heavy gambler at night. His habits have placed him in a very dangerous situation -- he owes big.

American Horror Story star Jessica Lange plays his wealthy mother, budding star Brie Larson plays his star pupil and love interest (for a brief moment, at least) and John Goodman plays his loan shark. The cast is great -- but the supporting stars didn't have enough airtime to make a difference. The moments with Brie Larson are quick and rushed. The character development around Jim Bennett is shallow. That's why this movie is all about Wahlberg.

There are a lot of odd moments in The Gambler. The final scene shows Jim running -- for what seems like hours and hours. The movie had a feel of 1930's crime, set in modern day -- unfortunately, it's hard to believe.

This is the type of movie you need a connection to -- perhaps a "based on a true story" line. Although Wahlberg does a great job in the film, it's hard to care if he lives or dies. His character is so reckless that you almost think he deserves to die.

The film grasps at deep, and real-life concepts -- but it's grasping for straws. Without a connection to the characters, their thoughts, opinions and beliefs don't matter.

RATING: 2.5 OUT OF 5.

Rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America "for language throughout, and for some sexuality/nudity." Running time: 111 minutes. 


About the Author:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.