DVD Player
Run time: 100 min
Rating: 4.5
Genres: Drama | Thriller
Director: Alina Szpak
Writers: Robert Fleet
Stars: Robert Fleet, Natalie Avital, Nick McCallum
|
|
Storyline Sam is a professional gambler, complete with the whole package: highs and lows in fortune, an ex-wife with money, and an estranged son, Jack, who lives solid-citizen but tries to rival his father. The rivalry comes to a head when Sam starts living with a much-younger woman nicknamed Princess that he picks up in the desert town of Indio on his way back from a mediocre gambling jaunt in Laughlin, Nevada. At first distrustful of Sam, their relationship grows unexpectedly warm – except that, while she appears to love Sam, Princess also sleeps with Jack. Meanwhile, Sam teaches Princess the skills of the gambling trade: Sam’s reputation is that “He always wins when it counts.” Their fortunes take a nosedive, though, when Sam makes a wrong calculation on a low-end bet and winds up with both his knees smashed – just after he’d lined-up Insa, a female connection to a dangerous high stakes gambling syndicate. Now, needing the rush of that high stakes gambling to make himself feel alive, Sam … Written by Hank Gerber, unit publicist |
|
Plot Keywords: gambling, sting, neo noir, one word title | |
Details: Country: USA Release Date: 15 October 2012 (USA) |
|
previous post
3 comments
I first saw this film at a film festival after a long day of seeing nothing that stuck, this being in the 10PM slot. Gotta tell you, this film (and one that followed in the same slot the next day) changed my mind about that time slot. This was one of the best films screened. Strong lead acting (particularly Fleet), strong supporting cast, and interesting, intelligent writing. It's a character film with a steady, even pace. Sometimes that doesn't work but when it does, as it does here, there is a smooth resonance that draws you into the world of an enjoyable, realistic story. It's not perfect–the black and white sequences, while stylish and beautiful–were a bit hard to decifer, but otherwise I really enjoyed this film. Good story, good characters, good writing.
I recently saw a private screening of "Player". This movie lives up to the excitement seen in its trailer.The acting is first rate, along with the direction and cinematography.It has a film noir tone to the dialog and story,but has been filmed using the beautiful colors, and use of light as seen in a Rembrandt painting.
This is an intense story with a surprise ending, at the same time it has its humorous moments.If you enjoyed Leaving Las Vegas,and Bugsy, you will definitely like Player.
You are easily drawn into the story of an experienced gambler named Sam, and a young woman he calls Princess.There are complex family issues involving Sam, his son Jack,their families, along with the dangerous gamblers Sam is trying to beat at their own game.
Sam is willing to risk just about anything for the "big win", and teaches Princess not only how to play the game, but how to enjoy the danger involved in playing.
This is a movie for adults who are not afraid of using their brains. As written by Robert Fleet, and the role of Sam played by him,we all were really intrigued by the complex relationships he has with his family, and especially with Princess.
The role of Princess as played by Natalie Avital is an exceptional performance that was beautifully captured by Director Alina Szpak.It is a movie worth going out of your way to see.
This film is possibly the worst film I have ever seen.
The actors and actresses give you a howto on bad acting, the sets are awful, the writing is just ridiculous.
I cannot find anything good to say, the music was over the top, the actors overacted everything, I think the director was in the bar while the camera man got tired of waiting and just shot some random rubbish.
This is one of those films that you hope you do not accidentally start watching when flicking through channels on the TV.
Please I beg you all, do not watch this film, it's horrible. I have not put any spoilers in this review because it's like trying to spoil a knife cut, it hurts, you will bleed, time will pass and you will heal but you will have the memory of it. In this case this is a bad thing.