Review of Gambit (2012) by Phil P — 27 Nov 2012

"Bollocks".

I wasn't expecting much of this, it was the only film in my local cinema I hadn't seen and the very low RT score didn't fill me with confidence either. But like I said only film left so I gave it a go.

It turned out pretty much how I expected - more or less. 'Gambit' is about the plan a fed-up guy called 'Harry' who wants to 'screw' over his boss by faking a painting he's been after. So it's a heist film, right? not really but it is suppose to be. However, it does such a piss-poor job of being one it can't be classed as one. If anything it's a...well I don;t know really hard to describe.

The fact that it fails on every level as a heist film can't be overlooked and unfortunately means this film just doesn't work. Which is a shame because it got an occasionally chuckle from me and most the scenes in the savoy hotel were good but it lacked any real story or character it was a bit half-assed in it's approach - odd since it was written by the 'Coen brothers'.

If it was funnier then there would've been something worth while at least few a few laughs isn't enough. The actors do a good job as well - even if I don't buy 'Diaz's' Texan accent, 'Firth' as always is good and 'Rickman' is solid as well.

There are ingredients for a good film great cast slightly interesting premise and the 'Coen brothers' as writers - but the direction is a mess at times and the script is poor at best. I wouldn't say avoid it but if you're undecided and picking between this and another film think carefully.