Having already polled LVA readers about the worst Vegas-themed movie (Mars Attacks! scored a stunning upset over Showgirls), we’re now going to ask them to choose the best gambling-themed film. So far, the suggested titles are:
The Hustler, its sequel, The Color of Money, Robert Altman‘s California Split, James Toback‘s Dostoevsky-inspired The Gambler, 21 (Kevin Spacey doing his low-rent Satan thing), Maverick, The Sting, The Cincinnati Kid, Casino (Martin Scorcese strikes again), Kaleidoscope (1966), A Big Hand for the Little Lady, Viva Las Vegas, Ocean’s 11 (the Rat Pack one), Rounders and Croupier.
The latter, directed by Mike Hodges and starring Clive Owen in his breakthrough performance, would have my vote … but what have we forgotten? Suggestions, please!
May not qualify for Gambling themed films but what about Vegas Vacation or Leaving Las Vegas. Although I doubt LLV based on it’s subject matter is repeat viewing for many people.
Perhaps not the best, but most under-rated, in my opinion, would be Let It Ride w/ Richard Dreyfuss & Buster Poindexter
Also not sure if this exactly fits the vetting criteria – but what about “The Cooler” with William H. Macy, Maria Bello, and Alec Baldwin?