
Variety
There's enough swaggering cynicism for three pictures but barely enough soul to sustain even one - a stylish, energetic but disappointingly glib remake of Karel Reisz's still-potent 1974 drama.
Full reviewMark Wahlberg has a gambling problem in this remake of the James Caan-starring 1974 drama. Literature professor Jim (Wahlberg) makes and loses huge sums in the blink of an eye, borrowing his way into trouble with the Mob until he finds himself on the horns of a moral dilemma – what’s he prepared to do to save his skin?
Co-stars Brie Larson (Short Term 12), Michael K. Williams (TV’s Boardwalk Empire) and screen legends Jessica Lange and John Goodman. Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) directs from a script by Oscar-winner William Monahan (The Departed).
There's enough swaggering cynicism for three pictures but barely enough soul to sustain even one - a stylish, energetic but disappointingly glib remake of Karel Reisz's still-potent 1974 drama.
Full reviewWahlberg finds his most interesting role since The Departed in a film that's heavy on atmosphere and suspense but shy of a full deck when it comes to characterisation.
Full reviewWhat's mostly missing from is a sense of why Jim is so insistent on squandering his money, privilege and patrimony.
Full reviewDespite stylish direction [and] a few arresting set pieces, never manages to make sense of William Monahan's often laughably overripe screenplay.
Full reviewIn nearly every scene, Wahlberg carries off the central role with what could be called determined elan.
Full reviewA rare grown up thriller, full of interesting bits and a strong turn from Wahlberg. But as a whole Wyatt's film doesn't grip as it might.
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