Mark Wahlberg’s latest film, entitled The Gambler, is a remake of the 1974 film produced by Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff. In 2011, Paramount Pictures announced that the initial planning for the remake was beginning to gain momentum as “a new directional project for Martin Scorsese.”
Fast-forward to the present day, and The Gambler is ready for its release directed by Rupert Wyatt, instead of the previously mentioned Scorsese. Mark Wahlberg stars in the lead role accompanied by Brie Larsen, Jessica Lange and Michael K. Williams. It got its premiere at the AFI Festival but won’t be aired to the general public until December 19.
However, the movie isn’t having it entirely its all way with The Wrap having this to say about the remake:
“(The) Remake lacks the 1974 version’s bleak power, but a powerful ensemble (including Jessica Lange and John Goodman) makes up for a disappointing lead performance”
As the movie polarizes opinion among movie hacks throughout the world, it is still an eagerly anticipated release – one of the last big releases of 2014.
Enjoy the official trailer below.
But why did Paramount decide to make a remake of The Gambler?
The film has been made on the back of the original’s success and also the surge in popularity of poker over the last 20 years. Many contribute the popularity to the glamorization of the sport through films such as Rounders, Casino Royale and the more contemporary look at Internet poker through Runner Runner. The inception of casino gaming through InterCasino back in 1996 saw unrivaled success in the gaming industry, causing many movies to focus on such a trending subject.
Not only that, Paramount has zoned into the success of many classic movies like the Cincinnati Kid and Dean Martin’s starring role in 5 Card Stud and saw the potential in spit and sawdust casino flicks even in the present day the appeal lives on.
As the movie approaches its release date, regardless of some of the damning reviews, it will definitely be worth catching; even it’s just to compare it to the original, and to view The Gambler’s stellar cast in action.
Also, it’s worth noting that, although Paramount hasn’t yet announced the release date of the film’s official soundtrack, it’s going to be a classic. Listen below to an outtake from the film’s funky soundtrack:
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