The Gambler - B

Rated R, 101 minutes
Wes's Grade: B

Enjoyable "The Gambler" is unrealistic but dark fun

As someone who knows little about cards and gambling (I've mastered solitaire, but that's a child's game), I can say that I'm not a risk taker when it comes to my money, but there are many for whom gambling is a problem, and that's evident in the dark dramedy "The Gambler," which provides some engagement, even if it's stuff that's unlikely to happen in real life (at least this entertaining). College lit professor and gambler Jim Bennett's (Mark Wahlberg) has some serious money problems: gambling debt forces him to borrow money from his rich mother (Jessica Lange), a loan shark (Michael K. Williams) and some other shady folks (John Goodman). Further complicating his situation is his relationship with one of his students (Brie Larson). Will Bennett risk his life for a second chance? Directed by Rupert Wyatt ("Rise of the Planet of the Apes") and written by Oscar-winner James Monahan of "The Departed" fame and a remake of a 1974 James Caan film from James Toback, "The Gambler" provides a walk on the dark and what it's like to get in over your head, and very quickly. It's hardly anything new and somewhat predictable down its final stretch, but it comes together effortlessly, with a solid effort from Wyatt, Monahan and Wahlberg (you'll see Monahan and Wahlberg together again in the upcoming crime effort "Mojave"). It also has a strong supporting cast, particularly Lange as the fierce wealthy mother who's so bitchy if you had to choose between borrowing from her or the loan shark, go with the loan shark, the always enlightening Goodman as the loan shark who can wax eloquent (his monologue mid-film about "a f-off moment" is a highlight) as well as "The Wire's" Williams, who's one tough shark. Wahlberg seems to have cornered playing these smart-ass, irascible types, but he does it well enough to carry the film against some of its flaws, including it's predictability and unrealistic climax, not to mention the love angle with the much younger (but lovely) Larson. Stuff like this doesn't often happen in real life, but "The Gambler" makes for an enjoyable movie. Don't bet against it, or you'll lose, so you're better off just going to see it.

Opens Christmas Day