Top 10 Gambling Movies – Molly’s Game – 7th Place
Why “Molly’s Game” is One of the Best Poker Movies
If you love the thrill of the flop, the tension of a bluff, and the sound of chips splashing the pot, you need to pull up a chair for “Molly’s Game” (2017). This isn’t just a movie about cards; it’s a wild ride through the most exclusive, high-stakes underground poker games in history.
Whether you’re a card shark or someone who doesn’t know a straight from a flush, this movie deals a winning hand. It’s based on the true story of Molly Bloom, the “Poker Princess” who ran games for Hollywood A-listers, Wall Street titans, and sports legends. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s surprisingly full of heart.
The Dealer and the Players (Cast & Crew)
The movie is the directorial debut of Aaron Sorkin, the genius writer behind “The Social Network.” You know that feeling in a poker game when the action moves so fast you can barely keep up? That’s Sorkin’s style. He writes dialogue that snaps like a fresh deck of cards.
Jessica Chastain plays Molly Bloom, and honestly, she owns the screen. She portrays Molly not just as a host, but as the ultimate game manager – sharp, stylish, and always calculating the odds.
Then you have Idris Elba as Charlie Jaffey, her lawyer. He’s the skeptical voice of reason who helps Molly navigate the legal mess she lands in. The back-and-forth banter between Elba and Chastain is pure gold.
Fun Fact for Poker Fans: Keep an eye on Michael Cera, who plays “Player X.” His character is actually a composite of several real-life celebrity players. Rumor has it his character is heavily based on Leonardo DiCaprio, and “Spider-Man” star Tobey Maguire, who was a regular at the real Molly’s games!
The Plot: The Ultimate High-Stakes Home Game
Imagine hosting a poker game where the buy-in is $10,000 just to sit down. Now imagine that the buy-in is going up to $250,000. That was Molly’s life. Official trailer:
The story kicks off with Molly as a former Olympic-class skier. After a career-ending injury, she heads to sunny Los Angeles and accidentally stumbles into the world of underground poker. Starting as an assistant who barely knows the rules, she quickly learns that poker isn’t played with cards – it’s played with people.
She takes over the game, upgrading it from a messy man-cave vibe to a high-class, luxury experience. We watch her build an empire in LA and eventually move the action to New York City. But as the pots get bigger, the players get sketchier. We see the glitz of the wins, but also the dark side of gambling addiction, the involvement of the Russian mob, and the inevitable raid by the FBI.
The movie jumps back and forth between the glory days of the games and Molly’s present-day legal battle, keeping you hooked on how she’s going to play her way out of this jam.
Why Gamblers (and Non-Gamblers) Will Love It
This movie hits differently because it respects the game. Here are the features that make it a standout:
- Authentic Poker Action: While it’s not a poker tutorial , the movie respects the mechanics. You’ll see plenty of hands played out, bad beats, and massive tilts.
- The Psychology of the Bet: Sorkin does a great job showing why these guys play. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the ego, the power, and the rush of destroying the opponent.
- No Romance, Just Business: It’s refreshing to see a movie where the female lead isn’t looking for love. Molly is looking for success and survival. She’s all business, all the time.
- The “Vibe”: The cinematography makes you feel like you’re in the room. The clink of chips and the slick shuffle of cards create an ASMR-like atmosphere for gambling fans.
- Smart Storytelling: Even if you don’t understand poker math, the movie uses voice-overs and graphics to explain what’s happening, so you never feel lost.
Summary and Takeaway
“Molly’s Game” is a sure bet for movie night. It’s a high-energy look at the seduction of wealth and the underground gambling world, but it’s also a story about integrity. Molly Bloom built a multi-million dollar game, lost it all, but refused to fold when it came to her morals.
It captures that specific adrenaline rush of pushing all your chips into the middle of the table. Whether you’re in it for the strategy or just the drama, “Molly’s Game” is a royal flush.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
See our Top 10 list of the Best Gambling Movies of All Time for the other contestants.
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