Molly’s Game

Anyone who likes to watch the World Series of Poker on television, has ever played in a live poker game or is curious to learn how the other half lives, will enjoy this movie.  Molly’s Game is based on the true story of Molly Bloom.  Molly, as played by Jessica Chastain, was a world-class skier on the fast track to the Olympics. Sidelined by a freak accident, Molly uses her drive and smarts to turn a secretary jog into an exclusive high stakes poker game.  When one of her players ruins her game in California, she simply moves to New York and re-establishes her very exclusive set up! But…before long, she finds herself under arrest by the FBI on federal charges. Why? It’s complex, you will need to see the movie to understand! The movie doesn’t use any of her customers’ real names, but according to a little  internet research, they included Toby McGuire, Ben Affleck and Leonardo DiCaprio as well as professional poker player Phil Ivy.   Idris Elba plays the lawyer who helps Molly when she is arrested by the F.B.I. (apparently, some of her clients turned out to be members of the Russian mafia).    Kevin Costner, Michael Cera and Graham Greene round out the cast.  I have heard there is some Oscar buzz for Ms. Chastain in this movie,  I am afraid I would not go that far, although she does give a good performance.  However, the movie gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of high stakes gambling and the kind of people who are involved.