Even Money

Ambitious, overwrought, and teeming with clichés, Even Money employs a Crash-like structure of interweaving multiple plotlines and an A-list ensemble cast to demonstrate an axiom that most viewers will already find self-evident: namely, compulsive gambling has life-shattering effects. The very first scene shows an unconvincingly desperate and dowdy Kim Basinger mumbling as she tugs at a slot machine's lever, registering despair with each failed spin. She's in big trouble, as are the other principal characters, including Forest Whitaker's, who owes his bookies so much that he begs his basketball star kid brother to shave points and throw games so that he can place some winning bets. Other big-name stars include Ray Liotta, Kelsey Grammer, Danny DeVito, and Tim Roth (unintentionally hilarious as an entrepreneur who may be the elusive kingpin “Ivan”). Director Mark Rydell, a Hollywood holdover who would love to be hip again, tries emulating Paul Haggis but signally fails to make the grade, while Dave Grusin's jazz riffs actually sound anachronistic and ultimately work against the film. With this much talent, it's impossible for Even Money to be a total bust, but most viewers will feel they've been dealt a pretty mediocre hand. Optional. (E. Hulse)