Ryan Reynolds has given the fans plenty of reasons to not be a fan anymore. He won over many of us with National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, but burned many comic book fans with X-Men Origins (even though he didn’t write the character) and Green Lantern. However, I’ve not lost faith in him and after hear some positive comments about Mississippi Grind, which has 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, I decided to give it a watch on Amazon Instant.
Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) is a gambler who owes a lot of money. By chance he meets Curtis (Ryan Reynolds) who he deems his lucky charm. The two set out on a gambling road trip on their way to a big poker tournament in New Orleans. The film has some great moments and is extremely well-acted.
THE GOOD
Ryan Reynolds reminds the audience just how charming he can be. His character in the film is a free going guy who just likes people. When he first enters the movie it’s hard to tell if he is being a jerk or if he is just a genuine friendly guy. When he orders Gerry a Woodford he seems friendly. Then the waitress brings a different top shelf bourbon stating they didn’t have Woodford and Curtis refuses to pay. Only to reveal his is joking and tip the waitress well. The whole poker table has a good laugh and things seem positive.
Gerry is a sad character who is so clearly addicted to gambling it’s hard to believe a positive ending could happen in this story. The story moves well and we really are aware of Curtis and Gerry, but the theme established by writers/directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck of bluffs and tells in poker and how they apply to the characters is really strong. We feel attached to the characters, but at the same time this is a hesitation to know what’s really going on. It’s like we’ve joined a poker table with this two and they are friendly, but there seems to be something else going on. Are they bluffing or trying to force our hand?
The film is excellent and gives way to many visuals of the south. The cinematography is nice starting with our introduction to Curtis with a rack focus past Gerry through the window.
THE BAD
The bad isn’t a bad as a negative to the film, but rather to the feeling you may get while watching it. This is a real film about a real problem with gambling. There is a feeling of despair earned by Gerry and that makes watching this film a bit of a downer. Luckily, Curtis is a really intriguing and comical character who genuinely seems to care about Gerry’s well-being. In some ways, Curtis reminds me of Van Wilder. A free spirit who is wise without explanation of how, it’s almost as if Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck watching Van Wilder and asked what would he be like in ten more years.
THE VERDICT
Mississippi Grind is a really solid movie with interesting characters and beautiful scenery. The movie moves well, but definitely has a down note that contrasts nicely with the bright lights of the casinos. Reynolds really shines here and makes the wait for Deadpool all the more unbearable. I give Mississippi Grind a 7 out of 10 aces.
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