Holy Rollers

Documentarian Bryan Storkel's Holy Rollers could hardly be more high concept, reminiscent of the (loosely fact-based) Las Vegas thriller 21—only with a major twist. The film follows a conspiratorial team of card-counting blackjack players, all from geographically diverse Christian-evangelical churches (some are pastors themselves), who train for coordinated operations designed to win big at casino tables across the USA—for the greater glory of God. Winnings, we're told, will go right back to funding struggling ministries or other worthy causes. Some of these blackjack experts declare they actually hate gambling on principle and want to punish the industry for its sinfulness. Despite that attitude (and the title), religious militancy here never hits a strident tone, as cameras (sometimes hidden) capture these mostly laidback Christians working the system in coast-to-coast casinos. Some find their gaming skills are not up to the task; others are known card counters who must adopt disguises in order to avoid being expelled by security. How long can such a potentially corrupting enterprise remain morally righteous, especially after profits inexplicably fall, raising the suspicion of a—dare we say?—Judas in their midst. An entertaining and ironic slice of weird American life, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)