9/16/2015 - Mississippi Grind (2015) - 7/10

A modest film about a down-on-his-luck gambler from Iowa making his way to the big score in New Orleans with a mysterious stranger. Smaller in scale it may be, but insignificant it is not.

It is a somber travail watching the brilliant Mendelsohn's character rise and fall, with crushing self realization and twisted hope. His acting is subtle, but deep and telling. Ryan Reynolds escapes schlockland and delivers one of those good performances that is always beneath his surface.

The directors, who previously brought us the similarly difficult Half Nelson, present kind of a sad Sideways, with gambling instead of wine/writing. Certainly not as funny, but it is enjoyable and well done. Recommended.