The latest casino-related books and movies are now hitting the shelves. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced action thriller, a romantic comedy, or a feel-good movie about gambling, you’ll be able to find a few to choose from.
Molly’s Game
If you are interested in learning more about the poker game of Molly’s Game, then you are in luck. There is a new movie out that tells the story of the game’s origin.
The film’s plot is based on the memoir of Molly Bloom, an Olympic skier who went on to become a high-stakes poker game organizer. As a matter of fact, it is a very popular film.
The film stars Idris Elba as a lawyer named Charlie Jaffey. He is hired by Molly to help her fight off a sting operation by the FBI.
Tishomingo Blues
In Tishomingo Blues, Elmore Leonard takes us to the Mississippi Delta, home of the birthplace of the blues. He mixes a bit of romance, a dash of high-diving and some sexy women along the way. The result is a novel that is part adventure, part comedy and part oh-so-familiar-to-us.
The novel is about a high-diving performer, and his attempts to make his act at a casino lodge a tad more realistic. A casino celebrity host warns him about a confrontation with the local Dixie Mafia.
One of the novel’s more interesting characters is a Detroit con artist, who wants to take over the booming Mississippi drug trade from the Dixie Mafia. Fortunately, his plans are not the only one to be considered.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a black comedy adventure film based on the 1971 novel of the same name. It is written and directed by Terry Gilliam, who also co-wrote the script. The film is set in the 1960s, during the Vietnam War and during Richard Nixon’s first term as president.
A journalist, Raoul Duke, is traveling to Las Vegas to cover a Mint 400 race. He’s driven by a hitchhiker, who flees after the duo’s drug use rambles. Later, he meets an attorney named Oscar Zeta Acosta. In an effort to represent the culture of drugs, he becomes part of the action.
Bringing Down the House
Bringing Down the House is a historical novel that follows the lives of a blackjack team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. These young students used a technique called card counting to win millions in Las Vegas.
The book tells a fascinating story. You’ll learn about how card counting works and how casinos deal with it. But what really makes the book interesting are the characters and their stories.
Kevin Lewis, a pre-med student at MIT, was recruited by Andre Martinez and Jason Fisher to join a blackjack team. They were backed by “shady investors.”
During their time in Vegas, the MIT students won more than $3 million and lived the high life. However, Lewis was worried his roommates were involved in a drug trade.
Croupier
If you’re into gambling, you’ll probably have seen the recent casino-related books and movies. You’ve probably heard of 21 and Jack and Jill.
Both movies involve gamblers who lose. They both feature slick narration by a character who describes a scene or character’s actions. The voice over narration is a tricky storytelling device.
“Croupier” is a subdued film, but it has a lot to say. It tells the story of a casino worker and aspiring writer, whose job and personal life take a turn for the worse.
The movie is a blend of mystery and a bit of thriller. In addition to focusing on the shady side of the casino world, it also focuses on the crippling sadness of gamblers.
Adam Sandler’s Gambler
Adam Sandler’s Gambler is a movie about a gambler who tries to clear his debt by making one big score. It’s a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Adam Sandler, who grew up in New York, was discovered by “Saturday Night Live” comedian Dennis Miller. He then began a career in stand-up comedy. In 1990, he was asked to join the show’s writing team. Later, he starred in several films, including Billy Madison, which grossed over $26 million worldwide.
The latest Sandler movie, Uncut Gems, is set in New York City’s Diamond District. It features Kevin Garnett, Julia Fox, Eric Bogosian, Idina Menzel, and LaKeith Stanfield.
The Cincinnati Kid
The Cincinnati Kid is a drama film that revolves around a gambling adventure. This acclaimed film was directed by Norman Jewison. It was based on the 1963 novel written by Richard Jessup.
The plot of the movie follows a crackerjack New Orleans stud poker player. He is looking for glory and fame. On his way to a poker game, he meets a shoeshine boy. Despite a friendly relationship, he finds himself swindled out of his money.
When he learns that the best five card stud poker player in town is playing a private game with his rival, the Cincinnati Kid decides to challenge him. He challenges Lancey Hodges (Edward G. Robinson), and is able to take the jack.
