Review of Even Money (2007) by Martin M — 19 Aug 2009

This movie caught my attention due to the rather impressive cast, though names like Forest Whitaker, Danny DeVito and Kim Basinger aren't exactly top billing these days. Speaking of which - was has happened to Forest Whitaker recently? From the Last King of Scotland, to this?

"Godfrey Snow!".

"God-freeeeeeeee!".

Seriously, enough already Forest!

Sorry, but I thought this movie was deplorable. The cast, whilst mostly big names, are nothing more than average in the end. There might be a solid performance amongst the lost of them, but for the life of me I can't find it.

Perhaps Ray Liotta and even DeVito deserved pass marks - but otherwise, there wasn't a winner to be found in my opinion.

The basketball scenes were poorly done. One of my major pet peeves is sports scenes in movies appearing fake - and this had fake and unbelievable written all over the court. I found no sense of realism whatsoever from any of the key basketball moments - not even from the announcer. I also find it difficult to believe Forest Whitaker could wander into a NCAA level championship game through an unlocked side entrance at one end of the court without any ticket required? Bizarre.

Kelsey Grammer was not seen too much, as the detective. I didn't like the fact he had the walking sticks - I just didn't think it was needed.

Kim Basinger was what I would call "over the top" in her role as the gambling addict. Again, I just didn't believe it.

All in all, I'd suggest you only watch this movie if you have absolutely nothing better to do. It's from the makers of 'Crash' (or so we're told), but I'm not sure I believe that either. It is so far from 'Crash' (a great movie) that you will wonder whether you're watching a spoof of some sort.

Honestly, it's that bad.