Sometimes a remake is just a remake and all of the cash-grabbing that that implies. And on rare occasions, it’s a clear tribute to a great, but largely under-seen film. I don’t think anyone with a functional brain could accuse director Rupert Wyatt (RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES) or the great screenwriter William Monahan (THE DEPARTED, also technically a remake) of thinking they were going to make hundreds of millions of dollars on a remake of 1974’s THE GAMBLER, from the exceptional James Toback script and starring James Caan. So one might deduce that this creative team, along with lead actor Mark Wahlberg, had something else in mind when choosing this film to remake, possibly even just to spotlight a movie they simply love. I’m guessing they’d like nothing more than for you to locate a copy of the original—either before after you see this new version—and watch it as well.
I was fortunate enough to have seen the film last week, and I’ll admit, I was expecting something slick and polished, only because I couldn’t believe Wahlberg would allow himself to portray the consummate degenerate that the character is meant to be. I was wrong; he’s lower than low and only getting lower, and I was taken aback by his performance as Jim Bennett, a literature professor with an almost psychotic gambling addiction. He strolls into a gambling parlor with cash and confidence and leaves a wounded, broken man. In addition to Wahlberg, this high drama is populated by some great supporting work from the likes of Brie Larson, John Goodman, Michael K. Williams, and Jessica Lange.
And while I am typically of a firm belief that great movies don’t need remakes, I find it far more acceptable to draw attention to great lesser-known works of the past, but redoing them for modern audiences (although this new version still has a distinct ’70s vibe). And it just so happens, I’ve got a whole lot of seats for an early Chicago screening of THE GAMBLER (which has a limited opening on December 19; opening wide January 1) for Ain’t It Cool News readers and their degenerate friends (I’m allowed up to three guests for this screening). Here’s how to win…
The screening of THE GAMBLER will take place on Monday, December 1 at 7:00pm at a theater in downtown Chicago (the exact location will only be given to the winners).
To win, send me an email at GamblerChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line “All In” (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your full Name, how many guest you are bringing (each winner may bring THREE additional, confirmed guests--if I think you gave your extra tickets to someone trolling for free tickets at the theater, you won't get in), and the answer to the following question: “What is your favorite film about a type of addiction, and why?" I need a film title and a detailed reason for your choice. Keep your responses BRIEF--no more than 100 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). Best answers (as judged by me) win, and you'll hear from me soon if you won, so check your email over the holiday weekend, if not before that!
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News event, winners’ seats will be reserved until 15 minutes before showtime (meaning 6:45pm). The venue is deliberately overbooked to guarantee a full house for our guest. If you can't arrive by 6:45pm, don't enter this contest. If you show up at the last minute, there is no guarantee that your seats will be good or together. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guests will have to back out of attending or arrive late if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter. And the 24-hour-notice-to-cancel rule is done. If you win and don't show up, the Black List is your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to the Paramount Pictures for giving us this very cool screening and bringing this great guest to Chicago.
