By Renee’ C.
Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels)
The true story of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target (IMDB).
From the get go this film pulls you along for an upbeat ride as we learn who Molly Bloom is, what makes her tick and how she ultimately became indicted by the FBI. We learn her father, a psychologist, pushed her from an early age in every aspect of life. So much so that she became a great downhill skier that made it all the way to the Olympic trials. This background is crucial because we learn where Molly gets her drive to be the best at whatever she does, including an exclusive high-stakes poker game organizer. We watch her learn how to manipulate rich and influential men with money gamble in her exclusive poker games.
Director and writer Aaron Sorkin’s movie making style has a distinct point of view and is direct and thorough. The characters have depth and you want to get to know them. His previous works such as A Few Good Men and The American President are excellent films. He does a great job here telling Molly’s story in a fast paced and concise manner.
Idris Elba as Charlie Jaffrey, her attorney should be mentioned because he delivers a wonderful and nuanced performance that adds to the depth of this film.
This film is excellently written, directed and acted and should most definitely be seen this holiday season.