See It at the Movies

THE GAMBLER

with Joyce & Don Fowler
Posted 12/30/14

* * *

(One psychologically messed up gambler)

"Life's a losing proposition, you make mistakes, and you might as well get it over with."

That's the philosophy of Jim Bennett, a …

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See It at the Movies

THE GAMBLER

Posted

* * *

(One psychologically messed up gambler)

"Life's a losing proposition, you make mistakes, and you might as well get it over with."

That's the philosophy of Jim Bennett, a psychologically messed up compulsive gambler who consistently doubles up his winnings until he loses everything.

Mark Wahlberg is very good at portraying the college professor who is addicted to gambling and destined to lose everything. We get a glimpse at his background through flashbacks, discovering that he is the grandson of the 17th richest man in America, and the son of a wealthy mother (Hope Lange) who is helpless in controlling him. He lectures and chastises his students, getting dangerously involved with two of them, while also digging a hole with loan sharks that he can't climb out of. He borrows money to pay off one shark, using the money to gamble and lose and bring physical harm upon him. And he keeps repeating this destructive behavior.

"The Gambler" is not a great movie, but it is an interesting psychological study of a compulsive gambler.

John Goodman plays Big Ernie, the godfather of all loan sharks, with two big scenes that are mesmerizing.

It all comes down to Bennett's attempt to convince a student athlete to throw a basketball game, resulting in a clever finale. But you leave the theatre wondering if he will return to his old habits. You may not like this gambler too much, but you will be fascinated with his approach to life.

Rated R, with lots of profanity, and some sex, nudity and violence.

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