‘Molly’s Game’ is based on true events. Most films
derived from real life tales tend to be more engrossing. This is because the situations
really happened gives it a fresh intensity many fictional stories lack.
‘Molly’s Game’ also explores the world of gambling which the majority have
partaken in one time or another. We all know the tension and pressure this
can cause which screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, making his directorial debut,
unearths with great skill.
Molly Brown (Jessica Chastain) is a former Olympic skier
wanting more out of life. With her controlling father Larry (Kevin
Costner) unable to tame her wild ways, Molly comes up with a sure-fire
money-maker. Establishing a high-stakes poker game in New York and Los
Angeles, her list of clients quickly grows. From movie stars, athletes,
businessmen and eventually the Russian mob, for years, Molly is on a
roll. The FBI catches on to her scheme and arrests her. Aided by
her lawyer Charlie (Idris Elba), Molly attempts to ease out of her predicament
before the last roll of the dice has time to settle.
Known for creating hit TV shows such as ‘the West Wing’,
Aaron Sorkin utilises the same dramatic style for ‘Molly’s Game’.
Featuring a character wanting to escape the predictability of life by indulging
in an unpredictable pastime, Sorkin infuses a sense of danger in his
script. This atmosphere is helped immeasurably by the shadowy
cinematography, highlighting the dingy world Molly inhabits. Sorkin’s
film benefits from Chastain’s strong performance as a woman determined to carve
out her own life away from her father.
Costner and Elba also give fine performances in a generally
engaging film. Whilst its momentum gradually deflates, the moments in
between where Molly chooses which poker players can join her game are
fascinating. This is made even more so because these events actually occurred
with the world of poker having its own joys and dangers. The eyes of
non-gamblers may glaze over during the technical briefings of the games but
it’s the characters making ‘Molly’s Game’ compelling.
Poker playing hasn’t been this interesting as ‘Molly’s Game’
shows. Although occasionally slow with scenes amounting to padding, it’s
a well-acted drama. For a first-time director, Sorkin has made a fine
entrance to the silver screen with his next project hopefully as captivating as
his current one.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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