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The Gambler (2014)
Uneven, yet entertaining
"The Gambler" is fueled by great performances from the entire cast, memorable visuals, and a terrific soundtrack. However, this comes at the cost of having an uneven storyline and underdeveloped characters.
Going into the movie, I was expecting a thriller with comedic elements. Though I was not too far off, the film juggled these different genres not too effortlessly. One scene would be dramatic, the next would be comedic, the one after would be romantic, and so forth. The result is a film that does not really know what it is trying to be, and neither does the audience.
Mark Wahlberg disappears in his role as Jim, in fact the entire cast gives splendid performances. Sadly the characters they play are generally too vague. Their goals are not unclear, and their relationships are unclearer. The romantic subplot between Mark's character and Brie Larson's is never really developed, or necessary for that regard.
Overall, expect an average film that appeals most to the eyes and ears, but not the hearts of moviegoers. You won't care too much for the characters, but the plot is engrossing enough to yield your attention for the duration of the film.
Saw 3D (2010)
"The Final Chapter"?
NOTE: Watch all previous Saw films before this one!
The first couple of minutes of the film are eye-candy to any SAW fan, unfortunately the rest isn't much. The primary negative about this film is how much it is recycled. About 20 minutes into the film, fans will realize how similar the story is to that of the sixth installment. This is a major let down because is sucks up the originality of the plot and characters. Especially the protagonist Bobby Dagen(Sean Patrick Flanery), who is strikingly similar to last years protagonist. Both of whom are doing something which is cheating the public and are forced to undergo a series of tests to save people who have worked with them in order to live. A new detective named Gibson(Chad Donella) is introduced, and quite frankly i would rather have a detective from any previous installment come back to life and substitute with him. Donella's acting is very poor and least convincing of all, and it is because of him that many will say how horrid the acting is; yet this is a huge misconception. In my opinion Flanery is the most convincing protagonist since Dr. Gordon(Cary Elwes) in the first film. Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) is barely in the movie, he shows up for if not less screen time than Gordon. Both of whom seem to have only Cameo's. This is outrageous because he is in fact the main character of the whole series. We all understand that he died in part 3/4, but that should not be a valid reason for his cut down role. The use of flashbacks could have given Bell much more deserving screen time, as SAW VI gave us. It is really sad that Jigsaw could not be in the final installment more, it would have served good.
SAW 3D is getting a lot of attention because Elwes is back as Gordon. Fans will be either disappointed or pleased to see him return. Although he is only in the film for a few minutes(total), he does play a pivotal role. This is where the two opinions diverge. The negative of Gordon is his screen time, yet his role is where he shines. SPOILERS: At the end of the film it is shown that Gordon was saved/healed by Jigsaw and later served him as a surgical necessity to future "games". Despite how clever the twist may be, it is not fully elaborated on nor explained. Assuming this is the last SAW film we may never know why Gordon did what he did; sad how the series does not pop the balloon, instead it just fills it up more.
Aside from all these criticisms, SAW 3D does shine indeed. In fact one of the best things about the film is the traps. They are more creative and graphic in this one. SPOILERS: The only problem with these is that every trap ends with someone dying; no one lives. Fans who go to see the movie for the traps will be overwhelmed with joy. For those who are not worry about the traps and are viewing the movie for the story, you will not be disappointed. At least if you enjoy the end. The story is concise and not loaded with confusion like previous entries. It is also meaningful, unlike the useless SAW V which did not add nor take away from the main storyline of the series.
The 3D is very affectionate but not well done. It is no AVATAR in terms of depth, but it does change the formula a bit. There are moments in the film where things fly out to the audience in a good way, other times it is poorly done. Such as the opening, a characters intestines fly out, but it is ridiculously computerized and no where near realistic. But these are only a few parts. Overall the 3D was great and a change to the series.
SAW 3D is made for the die hard fans or those who watch the film for the gore and traps. If you fall along those lines go see the film in 3D. If you are unsure or in the gray area, i would recommend waiting till the DVD.