Review of Two for the Money (1972) by Amanda S — 11 Aug 2007

Brandon Lang loves football but an injury keeps him from the pros, but his quarterback's anticipation makes him a brilliant predictor of games' outcomes.

Needing money, he leaves Vegas for Manhattan to work for Walter Abrams advising gamblers. Walter has a doting wife, a young daughter, and a thriving business, but he has problems: a bum heart, a belief he's a master manipulator, and addictions barely kept in check.

He remakes Brandon, and a father-son relationship grows. Then, things go awry. Walter may be running a con. The odds against Brandon mount...

Inspired by a true story (though having never heard of It) this is a movie for sports fans and Pacino fans alike. being from the UK, I have no idea how your gambling system works, and after seeing this movie, I now realise that people are prepared to lose everything on order to gain that 'big win'.

This is Pacinos picture, he steals every scene he is in and I don't think I have seen him this outrageous since 'the devils advocate' (which this could be a sequel of sorts to!!!). if you do not like Pacino in full on shouting mode, then steer well clear of this.

The rest of the cast are really good too. particularly McConaughy, Russo and Piven in an extended cameo.

The Direction is slick, the script is very sharp, but it does sometimes fall into cliché territory. boy from nowhere amazes people. then he starts losing you know the rest.

Without Pacino this would have been just another rags to riches story, but the script treats him well and in return, he treats the script even better.

A great drama for anybody and easily accessible.

Recommended.