James Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) is a English professor and a high stakes gambler. He's gambling recklessly after his grandfather's death. He owes $240k and Lee wants it in 7 days. He takes out another $50k from loan shark Neville Baraka (Michael K. Williams) and loses it all. He takes an interest in his student Amy Phillips (Brie Larson) who works at the underground casino. His mother Roberta (Jessica Lange) refuses to give him more money at first. Star basketball player Lamar doesn't pay attention in class. He tries to a loan from gangster Frank (John Goodman).
I'm somewhat mixed on Wahlberg's performance. The material gives him lots of meaty opportunity to shine. Instead, he can only give a middling performance. It's not bad by any means. The first classroom scene has some electricity but it's all in the writing. He has a range that he struggles to expand on. There are some better performances in the movie and Lange is the chief among them. The problem is that she's acting against a wall in Wahlberg. He's not giving enough back. Brie Larson shows some interesting sides. It's commendable that Wahlberg is trying and maybe someday he can put in a worthy performance.
I'm somewhat mixed on Wahlberg's performance. The material gives him lots of meaty opportunity to shine. Instead, he can only give a middling performance. It's not bad by any means. The first classroom scene has some electricity but it's all in the writing. He has a range that he struggles to expand on. There are some better performances in the movie and Lange is the chief among them. The problem is that she's acting against a wall in Wahlberg. He's not giving enough back. Brie Larson shows some interesting sides. It's commendable that Wahlberg is trying and maybe someday he can put in a worthy performance.