FilmSnobReviews

Title: Mississippi Grind
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Ben Mendelsohn, Ryan Reynolds, Sienna Miller
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins

What It Is: Gerry (Mendelsohn) is a poker player and a gambler. He’s a man that has seemingly lost quite a bit more than just money in his life. One evening while partaking in his favorite pastime he meets an enigmatic drifter named Curtis (Reynolds) who Gerry seems to believe is a good luck charm for him. As the two new friends set out to a high-stakes poker game in New Orleans, one that might change both of their lives.

What We Think: Man what an incredible film! I can’t really quantify just why this film hit me the way it did. Perhaps it’s the Americana of the southern setting, or the overall vibe of the smoky cinematography that held me. I think it was the gambling though. Living in Las Vegas I have an affinity for that sort of thing, even though I myself am not a gambler. Mendelsohn and Reynolds are damned electric here. Not only do you love and care about what happens to this men, but dammit you want Gerry to kick this thing, but you aren’t sure he has the constitution. Perhaps Curtis is the ticket to both financial freedom and a lack of habit.

Our Grade: A+, Not only is this one of my favorite films of the year, but I think it is one of the years very best. Sparked by outstanding performances all over the freaking place, and a kick-ass soundtrack that is blues infused with the very essence of it’s surroundings. If you get a chance to catch Mississippi Grind do so. I’m going to obviously recommend you watch this darn movie! It’s fantastic. Not only do they finally make a good addiction drama, but a great gambling movie, and a buddy road film.