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Lets look at the stats. Firstly, there was no-pre
buzz and like a wonky hammock on hard-trash day it’s simply been
chucked out for people to take if they want to. Secondly, it’s
synopsis, though based on a true story, sounds pretty much like Jerry Maguire. Thirdly, Rene Russo is supposed to be married to Al Pacino? Hmm…Big Boy Caprice, stud? Me thinks not.
At the same time, with Pacino, McConaughey and Russo playing, it’s sure to be an entertaining enough game.
D.J Caruso’s film is based on a true yarn
about a star college football player (McConaughey) who blows out his
knee and is forced to consider other career options. He ends up working
as a sports tipper for a 900 number in Vegas, and word of his
popularity ultimately reaches a New York high-flyer who runs his own
uber-successful sports betting firm. Enticed by a fatter wage and the
endless perks that working for such a big-timer brings, our hero packs
his bags and heads for New York City where his life takes a
well-heeled, eventful turn. But – and this is a movie, so you
know this sting is coming – is it all worth it?
This is Pacino digging into a large bag of Doritos again. Seems he loves his cheese lately – Simone, Gigli, The Recruit, Insomnia
- and this is as orange-coated as it gets. It knows when to push the
buttons, it knows when it wants Pacino to raise his deafening voice,
and it knows when it needs McConaughey to whip his shirt off. As for
the script, it’s good, but not great – writer Dan Gilroy
has seemingly had a double feature viewing of Jerry Maguire and Wall Street
the night before. Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite capture the
magic of those two movies, ultimately losing ones interest in quite a
few spots.
At the same time, the movie is much better for
having Pacino in it. He has a lot of fun with his characteristically
loud, over-the-top character (at times seemingly channelling his
‘devilish’ businessman from Devils Advocate)
and seems to have some good chemistry with the always-charming
McConaughey. There are also some really fun moments in the film and the
look of the film is exquisite – it really captures every ounce of
colour in the frame, not to mention, the luminosity of the big Apple.
EXTRAS
Extras on the DVD include an interesting interview with the guy that
McConaughey plays in the film (strangely enough, looks nothing like the
attractive film star), some deleted scenes (not very worthwhile), a
standard making-of and a commentary that’s enjoyable but not especially
informative.
Conclusion:
Movie 60% Extras: 50%
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