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GOING FOR BROKE, in my opinion, is a very touching and kind of heartbreaking drama about the effects a gambling problem can have on a family. I was shocked that Laura (Delta Burke) would even steal money from a certain place. If you want to know where, you'll have to see the movie. If you ask me, Jennifer (Ellen Page) should have been a little more respectful to Laura and Jim (Gerald McRaney). Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say, "If you ask me, GOING FOR BROKE really does show you how a gambling problem can truly affect a family." Now, in conclusion, I recommend this very touching and kind of heartbreaking drama about the effects a gambling problem can have on a family to all you Delta Burke or Gerald McRaney fans who have not seen it. You're in for some tears and a good time, so see it when you get the chance.

I watched this movie with my mother and loved it. I recently taped it because of the outstanding job that it did in addressing a serious issue. In this movie Laura Bancroft's life began to spiral dangerously out of control due to a severe addiction to gambling. When she started neglecting her husband and her kids to gamble she was just an addict. When she resorted to stealing to bankroll her habit she became a full blown junkie. It seemed that as the movie progressed her problem only got worse. In the end gambling not only destroyed her life but the lives of everyone around her. It just goes to show just how destructive any kind of addiction can be.

These lifetime movies can suck me in if I'm in the right frame of mind. Honestly, I only saw the last half of this movie, but I didn't need to see the beginning by any means.

Once she's into her 'habit' she gets glassy eyed and her hair goes awry. The kids are neglected, all she can afford for them is oatmeal. "Really, Mom. Its OK, we LIKE oatmeal". This one's pretty putrid. The best scene is when she turns to a fellow gambler in a crummy cocktail lounge for help. "Oh Honey, we're not that kind of friends. I saw this coming, but who am I to say anything?"

Delta Burke should really steer clear of pathos. She just chews the scenery here. I much prefer Delta's brassy comic turn in recent ep's of Boston Legal!.

What a movie! This intelligently written, beautifully acted made-for-TV movie packs a powerful punch. I was riveted from beginning to end and almost every emotion a viewer could have was tapped. Delta Burke was so outstanding that without saying a word, her body language and facial expressions conveyed what her character was thinking and feeling perfectly. She deserves an Emmy. I urge everyone to watch this movie on Lifetime when it's replayed. I promise, you won't be sorry.

Lifetime television certainly continues its noble profession of making top-knotch tv films with Going For Broke. Before I watched it, I thought that it was going to be a typical "disease of the week" tv film, but no! This is filmaking at its very best. Its powerful, chilling and unforgettable. Real-life husband and wife Gerald McRaney and Delta Burke have the same chemistry as Tracy and Hepburn I believe. I just could not believe how foolish Delta's character was as she became addicted to gambling and just threw EVERYTHING!! away. Her loving husband, her wonderful, caring kids and her entire life for gambling. How could one person be so foolish. Her mother confronts her at the end and says "You threw it all away! I thought I raised you better! I do not know weather to hug you or slap you!" Watching her character is like watching a car going towards a brick wall at 100mph! I know this may sound very strange, but the fact this film does not have a happy end where everyone hugs and kisses and poops their pants, makes it better, it makes it more real to life and hard hitting.