Mississippi Grind

Mississippi Grind is an independent drama film starring Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds. Mendelsohn plays Gerry, a joylessly committed gambler whose addiction to the tables in backwoods Iowa casinos has cost him his marriage, the chance to see his daughter grow up and his integrity. Further along into the film, we see a developing relationship between both leads. Curtis (Reynolds) is an enigmatic fellow poker player who shares his love of Woodford bourbon. The film is more of a character study slower paced drama which has a very anti-mainstream feel about it. Which is case in point where the film has been critically acclaimed by top critics but criticized for being boring by casual fans. Overall, Mississippi Grind is well acted, an interesting story for those interested in the world of gambling and addiction. Yet the film did leave questions open, and the ending could have been more developed. As a rewatch 11.27.20' very strong film. There are many subtle clues which noticed on this second viewing which made for more entertainment. This is a more mature given film.

This is a film about two poker players who strike up a friendship and go on a road trip to win their fortune. The problem is that one of them doesn't know when to quit. This is one the best films I've seen about gambling and poker in a long time. The two lead actors , Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn are brilliant and they work really well together. Mendelsohn in particular is really convincing as man with a severe gambling problem. This doesn't glamorise gambling at all and it highlights all the pitfalls of not being able to stop gambling. Essentially this is a road movie that despite having many bumps is actually a really good journey to be on for the viewer.

Once again the IMDb user rating fails to reflect the true quality of a movie and I have to side with the critics. So be it because I was surprised how much I liked Mississippi grind. The acting from the two leads was exceptional, particularly Ben Mendelsohn. The writing is very natural and realistic as well. As usual, I would normally side with users, but every once in a while (such as with the guest) the critics know what they're doing and quite frankly the users couldn't be any more wrong, with a rating of 6.4/10 I would call this film criminally underrated, just so you know I don't say that often.

To steer haters away I will tell you this movie can be quite depressing at times, it's writing and acting is so raw that the emotion and situations really get to you. I don't know about you but any weird feelings this film gave me were on a positive note (quality wise anyways). I love different movies, on first glance I was thinking this was just another gambling movie, you know what I was wrong. This film does things not many other films have done, such as the feelings it gave to me.

I love and I mean LOVE different movies, and this film is quite different, full of lots of bits that are left un said and yet if the viewer is immersed properly they will feel it and it works and it really worked for me. Yes the characters in the movie have a gambling problem and it can be quite un comfortable to see what they do themselves and others but you know what not every movie is going to have happy go lucky optimistic heroes, so if you don't like movies with characters that aren't picture perfect steer clear.

I apologize for my rather vague review, I am coming right off of my initial viewing so keep that in mind but don't think of this as a review but more as a recommendation. I'm not saying this is the best movie ever but for those such as myself in search of something different I would highly recommend this film and I would put this up with some of the greatest gambling movies EVER. Initially I give this a 10/10 but as I said I'm fresh out of the viewing so I have to give this movie some time to absorb to give a more proper assessment, but no doubt Mississippi Grind is worth a viewing. Thanks for reading my recommendation and hopefully you'll enjoy this hidden gem.

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a 2015 straight drama film that is more fun to watch than Mississippi Grind. I was really surprised at just how intelligent this film was while also being extremely entertaining. The premise and what I had seen from the marketing seemed to push the film in more of a 'Runner Runner' direction with it's tone and themes, but Mississippi Grind is much more than that. Not only is it great to watch Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn act alongside each other, but there's a surprising amount of depth to the story and it's characters that puts it up there as one of the best films of the year.

Focusing on Gerry, played by Mendelsohn, having a mid-life crisis as he's in major debt, divorced, and has a serious gambling problem. Enter Curtis, played by Reynolds, who adds excitement and 'luck' to Gerry's gambling life. The two are both very much lost in their own issues and their meeting feels more natural than it probably should. The strengths of the relationship and interesting dynamic ultimately goes to the two actor's performances. While Reynold's character is a happy go lucky guy on the outside, Reynolds adds so much more to him underneath. Same goes for Gerry, who should be an unlikable character considering he's in debt through self doing and even tries to steal money from his ex- wife, Mendelsohn grounds the character and the film to a perfect level.

Both the journey men go on various missions in hope of entering into a large buy in tournament in New Orleans, but you forget about that because you're more invested with what's going on outside of the casinos with these guys. The casinos add life to the film when it needs it and the poignant undertone of the story takes over at just the right time. It is a straight drama, but it's also very re- watchable just from the performances side of this film alone. To me, Mississippi Grind is one of the best directed films of the year. The story beats happen at just the right time giving it more depth than it probably deserves.

+Great lead performances

+Poignant script hits the beats at just the right time

+Entertaining and re-watchable

8.6/10

Huge gambling film fan here. Let it Ride is one of my all time favorite comedies and I loved both the James Caan and Mark Wahlberg Gambler films, Big Hand For the Little Lady, Hustler,The Sting, Color of Money, Hard Eight , Rounders, The Cincinatti Kid and 21 all films I found better than this.

I came to the film for Ben Mendelsohn whom I have been a huge fan of since seeing the great "Animal Kingdom". He does not disappoint. This also is perhaps the best work that I have seen Ryan Reynolds do.

It is a road trip film that some are comparing to Sideways, but the script just feels flat. It held my interest. It is worth seeing, but it really could have had a more compelling script. A lot of it may be that beyond the relationship between the two leads, none of the other characters really played out well or drew me in.

I will say one thing. The sound track is classic. One of the best ever; full of Delta Blues and a host of songs that were oldies, but new to my ears. The soundtrack was a pure 10. Worth the price of admission alone.