It’s one of those genres of movie that I can’t not help but sit down and enjoy. I mean, I’m in for the penny and I’ll be in for the pound when there’s a good movie in regards of games of chance.
The five movies that always get to me? Especially because I haven’t seen Casino. So don’t complain that it’s not on the list.
5. The Cincinnati Kid
It may be old school. It may have an ending that’s downright ridiculous. But the fact of the matter is that you have a duel between two of the greatest actors of all time. In one corner? Edward G. Robinson. In the other? Steve McQueen. Two actors actoring in a duel and a half.
4. The House of Games
Now there are issues with this movie as well. Most of them involving Lindsay Crouse. But the fact of the matter is that when it comes to storytelling, there are few that can do a better job than David Mamet. The dialogue is fast and furious, and Joe Mantegna is at the peak of his powers here.
3. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels
You don’t think this is a movie about gambling? You’re wrong. The inciting incident of this story is a poker game that entraps a group of Cockney Boys in debt to a porn king and crime boss. This is the debut movie of Guy Ritchie. And he’s absolutely fearless visually here.
2. Rounders
The best movie about a grinders life of all time. The movie that inspired Chris Moneymaker. Thus starting the poker boom that got so many of us into casino games online. If you ignore the romantic subplots? It’s practically pitch perfect.
1. 21
Perhaps I’m a little loyal to the source material? But the fact is that the source material (Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich) is tremendous. Part one is one of the ultimate aspects of wish fulfillment. Part two is the inevitable tragic downfall. But this is an underrated piece of cinema from the last decade.
It’s one of those things that got me to dabble into the online casino blackjack. Everybody wants to be a world traveler, after all.
