Movie spotlight
Big Spender
Orphan Eddie Burton is not bad, but too many screw-ups land him repeatedly in jail, so his 8-year old son Will, simply abandoned by his 'mother', has nobody else then Eddie's granny. When he hears about a program for convicts working an a foundation's farm for retired race horses, Eddie signs up and proves his talent with Big Spender, who was found completely run down. He nurses the horse back to health, and convinces Jake Cotter, the man in charge, to try a stunt: train him for an new career in jumping, which is a success when his dedicated race jockey Mel Tennant volunteers to ride him again. If he does really well, he may even get a certificate opening the perspective of a real job, which he desperately needs when grandma dies after having him swear he'll get out: the nightmare alternative is to leave Will lingering in the very home that did Eddie no good
Insights
Plot Summary
A down-on-his-luck man, struggling with debt and a failing business, discovers a lucrative, albeit ethically questionable, method of making money by impersonating wealthy individuals. He navigates a complex web of lies and deception, all while trying to maintain his relationships and avoid exposure.
Critical Reception
Big Spender received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its premise and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Kevin Pollak, others found the execution to be uneven and the plot somewhat predictable. The film struggled to find a wide audience and is considered a lesser-known work for its director and cast.
What Reviewers Say
Kevin Pollak's performance is a highlight, showcasing his comedic and dramatic range.
The film's premise offers potential for sharp satire but is not fully realized.
While some moments land, the overall narrative feels underdeveloped.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their consensus is not readily available for this film.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a vehicle for actor Kevin Pollak to showcase his impressionistic talents, which he famously did on talk shows.
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