Review of Mississippi Grind (2015) by Martin I — 16 Nov 2015
Road movies can often be a minefield of clichés. So too can movies about gambling. Mississippi Grind embraces some of these well trodden tropes and forms a very tidy character piece.
Ben Mendelsohn is a somewhat underrated actor. Usually limited to secondary roles, he excels here as our deadbeat anti-hero with a performance that will surely get the offers rolling in. Just as impressive is Ryan Reynolds, who I can't quite recall ever being better than this, in a understated and nuanced turn.
The film has undeniable charm; the sort of downtrodden and melancholy allure that comes with an against-all-odds story that is beautifully offset by the colour and verve of the deep South. Mendelsohn's Gerry is a bit of a bastard, but you can't help but root for his and Curtis' journey.
A bit of a slow burner that might not suit everyone's patience, Mississippi Grind is a fine indie piece that definitely warms the spirit on a grey winter evening. If you think of Sideways, but change the wine for gambling, you're almost there.
4 stars. Pass me a Woodford!
This review of Mississippi Grind (2015) was written by Martin I on 16 Nov 2015.
Mississippi Grind has generally received positive reviews.
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