Beard Blog Movie Review: Molly’s Game (2017)

Deal with her.

Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut is the true story behind skier turned poker criminal Molly Bloom. The film is based on the book by Molly Bloom of the same name and it’s referenced throughout the movie as it takes place after the books release. 

Molly bloom
Jessica Chastain as Molly Bloom

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I don’t recall a point during the whole movie that I was waiting for something to happen.”[/perfectpullquote]

As always with Sorkin films, there is a lot of intense, descriptive dialogue and Molly’s Game is no different. Idris Elba and Jessica Chastain are great on the screen together as they argue why Molly is not the real criminal. 

The story is told in sort of a flip-flop fashion with the scenes cycling between early in Molly’s life and then after her book was published. This allows the story to be told from Molly’s point of view while her legal issues get worked out on screen.

I don’t recall a point during the whole movie that I was waiting for something to happen. The next scene is beautifully woven into the story as to not leave you hanging. It’s a long movie, but goes by very quick.

Can’t wait to see more movies from the great Aaron Sorkin. This is one of the few films I can’t wait to watch again.

Who should see this movie? Fans of Molly Bloom’s story/book, fans of crime and gambling movies, and those who like Aaron Sorkin’s writing style

Who shouldn’t see this movie? People who find it hard to keep up with Sorkin’s writing style, movie-goers who aren’t into real-life drama tales, or those who can’t sit through a 2.5 hour film.

Score

9 / 10 – Molly’s Game is a well-written, well-acted, true story with all the high stakes of an action movie.

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Spoilers

Caution! Spoilers ahead.

 

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What I didn’t like

Some of the story items seem to be enhanced for the film, such as the dealer taking a rake in the middle of the game.  That action would have sent the players into a fit of rage.  Any house rakes should be laid out at the beginning of the game or agreed upon before the actual hand.  Other enhancements can be found mostly though the poker details which makes sense since I assume both Bloom and Sorkin don’t have extensive experience actually playing poker.

What I did like

Besides what I mentioned above, I appreciated the incredible attention to detail throughout the film by Sorkin.  The way the poker players handled cards and bet reflected what I could expect from watching The World Series of Poker and a fun game between my friends.  I’m being somewhat biased on this review because this movie strikes my interest pretty much dead on.  True stories about crime with gambling and gangs sprinkled in, to me, is the perfect adventure to go on.