The Gambler

Synopsis

The Gambler (2014) is a gritty crime drama centered on Jim Bennett, a literature professor whose gambling addiction spirals out of control. Struggling with mounting debts and dangerous loan sharks, Jim risks everything in high-stakes bets while trying to maintain his relationships with family and students. As his compulsions deepen, he becomes embroiled in a tense game of survival that forces him to confront the consequences of his choices. Packed with tension, this film explores themes of addiction, self-destruction, and redemption, featuring a riveting performance by Mark Wahlberg that captures the complexity of a man on the edge.

Cast

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  Mark Wahlberg

  Jim Bennett

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  John Goodman

  Frank

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  Brie Larson

  Amy Phillips

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  Michael Kenneth Williams

  Neville Baraka

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  George Kennedy

  Ed

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  Jessica Lange

  Roberta

Reviews

Critics gave The Gambler mixed reviews, highlighting its intense performances but noting its uneven execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 43% approval rating, with critics pointing out that while Wahlberg's portrayal of a troubled man is compelling, the film struggles with pacing and fails to deliver a consistently engaging narrative. The site's consensus mentions it as "a gritty drama weighed down by clichés and predictable plotting." Metacritic assigned a score of 55 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Some reviewers praised the intense atmosphere and the supporting cast, including Brie Larson, but felt the story was often overshadowed by its bleak tone. IMDb users rated the movie 6.0/10, reflecting a divided audience response. Overall, The Gambler was seen as a competent but flawed adaptation, noteworthy for Wahlberg's committed performance but regarded as lacking depth or innovation in its genre.