The Gambler The Rewatchables
The Gambler poster
The Gambler

Picking Nits

Casino scrutiny; craps alternative; athlete timeline; injuries; opponent mismatch; Amy’s writing; Frank’s work; payoff bag; basketball finish and gym

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 00:40:50Read transcript
  • Huge casual-table bets should bring multiple pit bosses, spectators and surveillance, rather than being treated like routine play; a defiant camera gesture is missed.
  • Craps is proposed as a more cinematic alternative to blackjack, offering dice, crowds and visual variety.
  • A major basketball prospect needing his senior year to improve draft stock feels outdated.
  • Bennett’s visible injuries understate the severity of his repeated beatings.
  • The announced Michigan opponent becomes the Bulldogs, and a 2014 conference semifinal does not fit USC versus Michigan.
  • The film does not establish what writing Jim has read to conclude Amy is a generational genius.
  • Frank’s continued loan-sharking seems inconsistent with his financial-independence philosophy.
  • Leaving a huge bag of payoff cash in Lamar’s locker is conspicuous and implausible.
  • The basketball finish has neither intentional fouls nor clock management; Lamar’s late shot makes little strategic sense.
  • A final free throw with the spread unresolved would produce a more credible dramatic ending.
  • Lamar’s practice gym looks too small for USC.