Jessica Chastain is sensational as the titular Colorado-born skier who became America's poker princess. After training for world freestyle championships, Molly Bloom (Chastain) trips on a twig at the Olympic trials, resulting in a severe back injury. Needing money to attend law school, Molly works part-time for a guy who runs a weekly high-stakes poker game in Los Angeles. Although her job barely pays minimum wage, the players are such big tippers that entrepreneurial Molly, having learned the intricacies of the game, goes into business for herself. Her multimillion dollar poker empire expands to Manhattan's Plaza Hotel, where she's so successful that instead of exclusive once-a-week games she begins to host every night. This leads to hiring glamorous female assistants who can attract even richer gamblers—as well as a troubling alcohol/drug habit. Molly's celebrity clientele includes stockbrokers, hedge fund managers, and movie stars, and more than a few men fall in love with her. Easy to understand since the elusive Molly is very empathetic towards players like Bad Brad (Brian d'Arcy James), who has no idea how to bluff, and Harlan (Bill Camp), who sinks deeper into debt. But then the Feds bring Molly in on suspicion of colluding with members of the Russian mafia, and she turns to defense attorney Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba). Making his directorial debut, Aaron Sorkin adapts Bloom's 2014 memoir for this fast-paced bio-pic—Oscar-nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay—that is full of sharp dialogue. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Building an Empire” behind-the-scenes featurette (3 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a small extras package for this solid Oscar nominee.] (S. Granger)
Molly's Game
Universal, 141 min., R, DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.98, Apr. 10 Volume 33, Issue 2
Molly's Game
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