If Al Pacino wasn’t in it, I’d say Two For The Money was just another movie promoting Matthew McConaughey as People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” considering the number of times that McConaughey is without his shirt. But because Pacino is in it, Two For The Money must be taken more seriously despite the usually solid McConaughey. No offense to McConaughey, but Pacino exudes seriousness.
McConaughey plays Brandon Lang, a middling Las Vegas oddsmaker, who through his love of football has accumulated a huge streak of picking winning teams. His incredible success sparks the interest of a big time oddsmaker named Walter Abrams (played by Pacino), who invites Lang to work for him in New York. Abrams is a seller and he sells Lang on the opportunity to make lots of money in a higher stakes sports betting market.
Abrams puts everything on the line for Lang, even creating a new persona for him named John Anthony. For Lang, it’s an opportunity to make money and support his mother and brother. For Abrams, it’s an opportunity to build an empire, which Lang will be the center of (or close to it).
With all of the money at stake in this gambling underworld, you would assume there would be a huge amount of danger that goes along with it. Lives can be ruined with the wrong bets, and you would think that Abrams would be constantly looking over his shoulder during the losing streaks. But no, Abrams spreads dinner invites like a man with no worries. That’s the biggest problem with the movie, as the danger doesn’t come across as deadly. The most violent scene in the movie comes across more as comical than suspenseful with not even a drop of fear.
By the same token, money isn’t shown center stage either. Gambling involves money, but the desire and greed aren’t showcased to any heightened unrealism. Yes, Abrams buys Lang a new suit, a new car and a new life, but neither show any real interest in the money they earn. During one tremendous week, Abrams scores a cool $2 million. So happy in the winnings Abrams tosses money without a care; but when Lang playfully suggests that he wants a bigger cut, Abrams does a 180-degree turn. Why does Lang ask for more money when, if he needed it so badly, he could just bet using his own predictions? Why does Abrams get so touchy when asked for more money when his wife (Renee Russo) owns a high-end beauty salon and he seemingly has money to throw around?
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I thought this was a pretty good movie, but the story came across as being so lightweight. It was completely carried by Pacino and McConaughy. Both of which I thought gave good performances, without which this would not have been an enjoyable watch. I still don't see myself revisiting this title anytime soon.
2 - Brian
Me I really love this movie I watch alot I don't know why I actually like Al's Performance in this and Devils Advocte but I watch this one a lot can't help it. I just love the idea of make s*&t of Cash and driving hot cars in my city. Maybe since growing up poor and seeing people use drive and greed to the top makes me feel so good