The Gambler
The Gambler

The Gambler

2014Movie111 minEnglish

Literature professor Jim Bennett leads a secret life as a high-stakes gambler. Always a risk-taker, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster and offers his own life as collateral. Staying one step ahead, he pits his creditor against the operator of an illicit gambling ring while garnering the attention of Frank, a paternalistic loan shark. As his relationship with a student deepens, Bennett must risk everything for a second chance.

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Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes46%
Metacritic50
Google Users64%
Director: Rupert WyattGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A literature professor with a gambling addiction is deep in debt to criminals. He borrows money from a dangerous loan shark, gambling away his family's fortune and risking his life. As his situation spirals out of control, he attempts to secure his future through one last, high-stakes bet.

Critical Reception

The Gambler received mixed reviews from critics. While Mark Wahlberg's performance was generally praised, the film was criticized for its script, pacing, and derivative plot, which many found less compelling than the original 1974 film.

What Reviewers Say

  • Mark Wahlberg delivers a committed performance as the titular gambler.
  • The film struggles with a predictable narrative and a lack of genuine suspense.
  • Critics were divided, with some appreciating the darker tone and Wahlberg's portrayal, while others found it a pale imitation of its predecessor.

Google audience: Audiences were similarly divided, with many appreciating Mark Wahlberg's central performance and the film's exploration of addiction and desperation. However, a significant portion of viewers found the plot unoriginal and the character's actions frustrating, leading to a lukewarm reception.

Fun Fact

The film is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name, which starred James Caan in the lead role.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Narate

Narate

"_You're born as a man with the nerves of a soldier, the apprehension of an angel._" This movie works in some parts, and is messy in others. It's like a car crash I can't seem to avoid watching. I enjoy the gambling parts but have a hard...
Kris_12

Kris_12

As for me, that one-time film. It is interesting, it shows a great picture but that's all. I think that this film could be better if producer read more <a href="http://www.anniegetyourgunthemusical.com/">gold casino reviews</a> and understa...
Gimly

Gimly

Marky Mark try'na sell a watch to a stereotype made me kinda shame-laugh, and the last act was an improvement on the first two, but _The Gambler_ is not something I would recommend to, realistically, anyone at all. _Final rating:★★ - Had...