Two For The
Money
Review
by Clint Morris
Though Al Pacino is usually a pretty safe
bet
– as is Matthew McConaughey, for the most part – it's probably
best not to wager everything on his latest movie.
Lets look at
the stats. Firstly, there’s been 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 the 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 Devil's 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 piece is exquisite – it really captures every ounce of
colour in the frame, not to mention, the luminosity of the Big Apple.
3 out
of 5
Two
For The Money
Australian release: 2nd
May, 2006
Cast: Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey, Rene
Russo, Armand Assante, Jeremy Piven
Director: D.J. Caruso
Website:
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here.
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