When thinking about some of the best gambling movies to have ever been created and put on the big screen, titles such as “Rounders”, “Casino Royale” and “Casino” will probably come to mind of many as being amongst the very top.
Indeed, Americans have always loved the gambling culture, which can be seen in the popularity of Vegas and Atlantic City to name but a few popular casino destinations, which is why it does not come as a surprise that there are so many films to have depicted the activity. But what most people aren’t aware of, is that online gambling, even gambling on a casino app is not allowed in most US states, but that doesn’t seem to dampen Americans love of playing games or visiting a casino.
Whilst some may also decide to include “Molly’s Game”, there is a strong argument to be made that could suggest that the film does not get the recognition that it deserves, and in some quarters, may actually be rather underrated when thinking about the best gambling movies to have ever been created.
What is Molly’s Game?
Molly’s Game is a film that was released in 2017 and is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, who becomes known as the “Poker Queen”. She used to run high-stakes private poker games that featured some of the biggest celebrities from Hollywood, businessmen and professional players.
Starring in the movie was Jessica Chastain (as Molly), Idris Elba (as Bloom’s attorney, Charlie Jaffey), Kevin Costner (as her father) and many other big-name actors as the film provides a Hollywood adaption of her life.
Those that know a little about the true story of Bloom may know that she had aspirations to be an Olympic skier, although her eventual downfall led to her organising the many illegal poker games.
Molly’s Game is criminally underrated
One of the many reasons why Molly’s Game can be considered to be criminally underrated as one of the best gambling movies to have been created is due to the fact that there is a real element of realism within the movie when rounds of poker are being played.
Despite not actually being a poker movie, there are a number of scenes that depict realistic play with a number of actual professional poker players to have been cast by director Aaron Sorkin – who had success with a number of dramas – to help provide the film with “gritty realism”.
Additionally, the scenes that were created included the tension and the frenetic pace, whilst they remained as entertaining as possible, with poker purists finding it hard to find too much to complain about when watching them be played out.
There could be arguments that there was too much money on the table or too much glitz was used, but this is something that could be considered passable because of the people that were involved (the businessmen, Hollywood celebrities and poker professionals).
Verdict
The reasons pointed out above should highlight why “Molly’s Game” is a film that has been underrated severely and one that needs to be given the recognition that it deserves.
Of course, the film has been given an element of dramatization, however any fan of poker will love “Molly’s Game” and will want to watch this film as soon as they can, if they have not seen it already!