User reviews

I noticed the IMDB give the title of this movie as EDIE & PEN where as in Britain it`s called DESERT GAMBLE which is a far more exciting title . What does a movie named DESERT GAMBLE conjure up to you ? A war film set in the North African campaign of 1942 ? A heist movie of likable geezers going to Vegas to rip off the mob ? Or perhaps even a disaster movie about a plane crashing into the Sahara . Nothing as exciting as that happens in this film so I guess EDIE & PEN is a more accurate title since it doesn`t really conjure up anything

And nothing really happens in the movie either , it`s basically a low concept dialogue driven chick flick about two women who meet in a red neck bar , one of whom has a sort of relationship with a red neck and the two women swap life stories . I guess girls who are not expecting too much might enjoy it and it is very inoffensive but that`s hardly massive praise

I lived in Reno for 18 years and was there when this movie was filmed. I had no idea it was being filmed and believe me Reno is the Biggest Little City in the World, and if a movie is being filmed there it's almost impossible to not know. Yet, I had no idea this was going on. The concept of the story is reasonable, but the concept is all that is delivered. All the fluff story propped up around the concept just is not good. Scott Glen seems to be just about the level of a leering drunk and how Pen "falls" for him is just not apparent. Jennifer Tilly is lovely and carries her part very well, but Scott Glen and Stockard Channing's characters require more script quality before they could be held responsible for the out come. (Bad writing can not be overcome by the best of them.) As I watched I saw them drive from the Hilton to the Airport through downtown and rolled my eyes at the director's ploy to present Reno's bright lights as window dressing. If you don't know Reno, all is OK and the director's trick is well received.

I watched this late one night when nothing was on. I chose it for Jennifer Tilly. She's cool. I like Scott Glenn too. Ever since Silverado I've liked him. And he was excellent in The Silence of the Lambs. This is a good story about two women who quickly became friends. Shared stories and secrets about men (read Helen's review for more info).

I was glad I watched it. Hadn't seen Stockard Channing much lately. She was in The First Wive's Club just for a bit. I should have seen the ending coming where Edie's new boyfriend is Pen's old... oh nevermind, go watch it.

7.5 out of 10

I don't get those that rated this poorly. The cast was great. I have always liked Stockard Channing, Jennifer Tilly, and Scott Glenn so it was great to see the three of them together. The cameos were great. So many wonderful actors.

Stockard Channing has proven she can portray a sophisticated woman or a party girl. In this movie, she does a little of both.

Jennifer Tilly did a great job with her role. She is wild and lovable.

Scott Glenn has proven he can play a wide variety of roles. When I saw him in Urban Cowboy, I hated his character. His character in Silverado was stern, smart, and funny. In this film, he is a regular man living life.

I have watched this film several times over the years and love it. It is one of my comfort movies.

I loved this film. It was funny, clever and touching. Great cast! Jennifer Tilly was sweet and innocent even in her low cut dresses. There were so many cameos it was fun to try and pick everybody out.There's a great shot at the end where everybody re-appears to see Randy Travis perform. Pretty much of a chick flick but great just the same.