This is one of those "nothing is what it seems" sort of screenplays where convoluted twists and turns in plotting keep you hooked until the end of the story. Not only is the ending a surprise--although a happy one--but along the way there are some startling revelations.
Not being a fan of Las Vegas stories, I was surprised at how quickly I was drawn into the fast-moving events depicted here. ALEC BALDWIN has a pivotal role as the hotel manager who wants to keep his gambling establishment the way it is, averse to all the modern ideas the new boy on the block (RON LIVINGSTON) has.
And although WILLIAM H. MACY and MARIA BELLO have the romantic interest and most of the screen time, it's Baldwin who delivers the most striking performance as the most ruthless gangster since Little Cesar.
The salty dialog is a bit much, with frequent use of the "F" word and other vulgar expressions, so be warned that this isn't a film to watch with the kiddies. But it's all done in a very good straightforward job of story-telling and it leaves you wondering how the whole sad/comic story will end.
MACY is completely convincing as a "born loser" with a rotten son, played with relish by SHAWN HATOSY, who surprises his father and then has a couple of surprises in store for him. His part isn't fully developed and he is dropped from the plot line after a crucial scene involving grand deception on his part, which happens, in this case, to be only a minor flaw.
All told, very interesting story with Las Vegas background and some cool Sinatra-type ballads jazzing up the score.
Not being a fan of Las Vegas stories, I was surprised at how quickly I was drawn into the fast-moving events depicted here. ALEC BALDWIN has a pivotal role as the hotel manager who wants to keep his gambling establishment the way it is, averse to all the modern ideas the new boy on the block (RON LIVINGSTON) has.
And although WILLIAM H. MACY and MARIA BELLO have the romantic interest and most of the screen time, it's Baldwin who delivers the most striking performance as the most ruthless gangster since Little Cesar.
The salty dialog is a bit much, with frequent use of the "F" word and other vulgar expressions, so be warned that this isn't a film to watch with the kiddies. But it's all done in a very good straightforward job of story-telling and it leaves you wondering how the whole sad/comic story will end.
MACY is completely convincing as a "born loser" with a rotten son, played with relish by SHAWN HATOSY, who surprises his father and then has a couple of surprises in store for him. His part isn't fully developed and he is dropped from the plot line after a crucial scene involving grand deception on his part, which happens, in this case, to be only a minor flaw.
All told, very interesting story with Las Vegas background and some cool Sinatra-type ballads jazzing up the score.