Which Movie Is Really Worth The Wager

Often critics underestimate films that belong to a specific niche. In this case, whether you are a professional or an amateur gambler who believes gambling is a thrilling hobby or a road to perdition, you have to admit there have been many great movies that saw in depth into the world of Casinos.

Here are 3 must-see movies that are worth placing a bet on:

1- Our first choice is Hard Eight (1996), a great debut feature by the author of Boogie Nights. Loosely based on his short film Cigarettes & Coffee (1993), Paul Thomas Anderson tells the story of a smart gambler in his 60s named Sydney who meets John, played by a very young John C. Reilly, outside a diner. Sydney learns that John is in need of money and offers to show him how to make some gambling. Although skeptical at first, John agrees and soon becomes Sydney’s protégé and after a while a professional gambler. When he falls in love with a waitress and prostitute played by Gwyneth Paltrow, things get complicated. The film was screened at Cannes where critics found it clever and compelling. To be a first film, it was definitely an auspicious beginning.

1- As you may know, many popular films of the 90s are set in some kind of luxury casino and Casino (1995) by Martin Scorsese fits perfectly this description. Often named as “Goodfellas Go West”, Casino is probably one of the most intriguing features by the creator of “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”. Adapted from a book of the same name by writer Nicholas Pileggi, Casino stars Scorsese’s fetish actor Robert DeNiro, who plays the part of “Ace” Rothstein, a tough gambler hired by the Italian Mafia to manage the operations of a Casino in Vegas. At First, he’s a great success in the job but after a while, some problems with his Enforcer (Joe Pesaci) and his ex-wife played by a ravishing Sharon Stone will put him in serious danger. If you have never heard about this film before, then it is about time for you to get around to watch and enjoy this absorbing American classic shot by one of the Greatest Cinema’s Masters.

2- Last but not least, The Sting (1973) by George Roy Hill tells the story of a group of men who secretly elaborate a horserace betting scam in order to get a revenge on a crime boss responsible for the murder of a common friend. As you can imagine, things won’t go according to their accurate plan. The film stars an amazing triplet of celebrities: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw. No one can deny the fact that The Sting is powerful entertainment with legendary top actors and was the top grossing film of 1974. It also won seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Screenplay. No need to say more.