Every keen film buff knows that there is a plethora of movies released each year both globally and within Hollywood. While this is naturally great for ensuring a fresh supply of top films to enjoy watching, it can mean staying up to date with them all is tricky at times! Even the biggest movie nut can’t possibly stay on top of every new flick that is released worldwide or know about every film from the past that might be worth catching.
One sports-drama movie from 2005 that IS worth finding out more about is Two for the Money. Directed by D.J. Caruso and boasting an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey and Rene Russo, it received generally positive attention when released and has gone on to become something of a cult favorite.
But what is it about and is it really worth catching?
Sports betting makes for an exciting backdrop
The film itself is based in the world of sports gambling and this makes it particularly relevant at present. Although betting on sports has always been popular globally, recent years have seen interest in it expand greatly across the planet. This, of course, can be seen in the USA, where the 2018 US Supreme Court ruling on sports betting has led to many states legalizing it as an activity.
Other places around the world have also seen interest in sports gambling grow in recent times. Denmark, for example, has a thriving sports betting scene and top sportsbooks to bet with that offer great value live odds. This is also true for other countries in Scandinavia, who are experiencing massive interest in sports gambling from residents.
Two for the Money – what is the basic storyline?
Matthew McConaughey plays the lead character of Brandon Lang, who was a star college football player that had to quit the game due to a career-ending injury.
He now puts his knowledge of the sport to use through handicapping football matches. His success at this piques the interest of Walter Abrams, played by Al Pacino. Abrams is head of a major sports consulting firm and brings Lang into the fold. They are soon making huge amounts of cash from Lang’s accurate sports handicapping and the clients who pay for these services.
Due to his extensive football knowledge and engaging personality, Abrams soon adds Lang’s slick John Anthony character to his own The Sports Advisors cable TV program. This sees the show rise quickly in popularity and the presence of Lang on it becomes a major attraction for viewers.
All good things come to an end
Although Lang begins to enjoy the trappings of success that his work delivers, things soon start to go sour for him. Abrams’ long-term expert on his cable TV show becomes very upset at being usurped by Lang. Possibly overconfident due to his handicapping abilities, McConaughey’s character stops researching his predictions properly and begins to play his hunches.
This not only sees him start to lose his touch as a sports handicapper but also get beaten up by the henchmen of a thug who lost a lot of money due to his betting advice. On top of this, Abrams begins to suspect that Lang is having an affair with his wife, and their once-close bond begins to falter.
The movie ends with Lang’s two predictions for the last game he handicaps coming true (apparently decided by a coin toss!), as he leaves to take up a new job in New York as a junior football team coach.
Two for the Money verdict
Although keeping up with the latest movie news is a must for any film fan, checking out reviews of older flicks you might like to catch is also worthwhile. As in the case of Two for the Money, this can mean you don’t miss out on some really cool films from Hollywood’s past.
But is this film really worth your time? Overall, it is a movie worth watching and is a fast-paced film with some excellent performances to keep viewers interested. As you would expect, Pacino lights up the screen whenever he appears and adds real depth to the character Walter Abrams. McConaughey is also impressive as Brandon Lang and brings just the right amount of swagger and charisma to this role.
The sports betting storyline is also interesting and is not one that you see a lot of movies based on. This makes it an engaging experience not only for keen sports gamblers but also those looking for a movie that offers a different world to escape to. Ably directed by D.J. Caruso and with some well-shot scenes, it has a lot to recommend it.
