Breaking the Bank: Casino Blockbusters
Friday, July 12th, 2013
We know you guys love the thrill of risk-taking. There are few things which come close to the excitement of putting it all on the line for such reward potential. So, it comes as no surprise that filmmakers have spent decades upon decades pursuing this same sense of impulse and adventure in cinema. Be they established classics or cool new contenders, the best casino movies have one very important thing in common: money. And lots of it.
Here are our teeth-grinding top 5.
The new classic Casino Royale sees Daniel Craig’s Bond debut and is as slick an affair as one might expect from such a man. The movie provides an ideal equilibrium of white knuckle action and palm sweat tension, all in an exceptionally smart package. Assuming you’re prepared for an enormously tense high-stakes Texas hold ‘em tournament, we urge you to suit up, shake (but certainly don’t stir) that martini and embrace your inner MI6 agent.
As is often the case with casino flicks, 21 provides a dark underground look at the exploitation and abuse of the system. Fortunately, this criminal activity never overshadows what is the utterly cheeky and youthful vibe sustained throughout. Added appeal comes in the form of the devilish Kevin Spacey and the equally handsome up-and-comer Jim Burgess, not to mention a marvellous appearance from Lawrence Fishburne. In 21 you’ll find a thoroughly satisfying narrative, where the lines of morality are blurred but never fully obscured. Heroes and villains all in attendance, this movie is the full package.
If you’re a gambler with a heart, this film was probably conceived with you in mind. Fit to burst with money and melancholy, Rainman offers a genuine cinematic experience guaranteed to thrill and rouse. Expect stunning performances from Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, and just a little more of that casino abuse. But I think we can all agree that rules were made to be broken, in the name of good cinema.
For a little light relief (and some filthy comedy), we recommend the hilarious Hangover. If for some unknown reason you’re yet to embrace the Hangover film series, now’s the time. Dirty jokes, bromance and some very questionable shenanigans await you – all topped off with some Vegas casino action. The magnificently decadent Las Vegas setting alone should be enough to tempt you, but coupled with some excitement at the blackjack table and a whole lot of jager, we’re declaring it a sure thing.
We’re not in the business of picking favourites (or maybe we are), but this is surely the big daddy of casino flicks. While others in this list may involve or dabble in a little cheeky gambling, Ocean’s Eleven lives for the game. The entire premise revolves adoringly around casino culture and positively oozes Vegas class. The billion dollar cast (Clooney, Pitt, Garcia and Damon, to name a few) supports an utterly thrilling ride of criminality, finesse and serious money-making. Look no further than Ocean’s Eleven for casino capers of the highest degree.
This list is not exhaustive, but if you’re looking for the absolute best in casino classics, our money’s on these beauties.
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