Despite being a worldwide phenomenon, only a few movies do poker justice. In fact, it’s rather the opposite; our beloved game is often pictured as a luck-based activity with no deeper strategy. That’s why there were only a few competitors while preparing our recent article about our favorite poker movies.
We’ve listed Molly’s Game among other poker-related classics in that piece. The captivating story of Molly Bloom is so unique that it’s worth taking a closer look, and we can’t stress it enough: there’s no better modern poker movie picturing the game in line with its spirit.
The enigmatic Molly Bloom
Before we move any further, let’s take a moment to truly appreciate the mastermind behind the tale: Molly Bloom herself. She isn’t some fictional character spun out of thin air. Molly, a beautiful and intelligent Colorado native, initially dreamed of Olympic skiing. Life, however, had other plans. After a freak accident dashed her athletic dreams, she transitioned from the snowy slopes to the glitzy world of underground poker.
But Molly wasn’t just any host; she had the brains, the charisma, and the sheer audacity to run one of the highest-stakes poker games in the world (at least that we know of). What makes her even more fascinating is her resilience. Despite the glitz and glamour, Molly faced some seriously tough times, from run-ins with the Russian mob to legal battles threatening to break her.
Yet, she managed to carve her name in poker legend through sheer grit and a dash of moxie. A beacon of strength and determination, Molly Bloom’s story is a testament to what one can achieve when the chips are down. No pun intended… or maybe just a little one!
Behind the curtains of underground games
The one-of-a-kind story of Molly Bloom spans over the ten years between 2004 and 2014. During that time, she moved from the bartender position to becoming a host of the very sought-after poker games. Celebrities, sports figures, and other wealthy people participated in the games organized by Molly. Among the many notable names, there were the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Phil Ivey.
After all, Molly was organizing games with a lot of money at stake without any license or casino patronage. The turbulent circumstances of Bloom’s activities nearly led her to prison. Luckily for her, charges against her resulted in probation and a hefty fine. Another, much more pleasant aftermath of her poker career was a 2014 book, Molly’s Game, which was filmed a few years later.
Luckily for this story, the person responsible for the screen adaptation was writer-director Aaron Sorkin, known for his fast-paced dialogue and intricate storytelling. As a result, Molly’s Game isn’t your average run-of-the-mill poker movie. This is the real deal!
Why is the movie so remarkable?
Molly’s game takes you through the whirlwind journey of a former Olympic skier who became the “Poker Princess”. One of the movie’s strongest points is Jessica Chastain, who marvelously played the main protagonist. And guess what, that’s only the beginning. Hollywood bigwigs, sports legends, and a mob of Russian gangsters are also in the mix, and it’s all based on a true story!
Molly’s underground poker games were dripping with tension, strategy, and high-stakes drama. Oh, and did we mention the FBI gets involved?
Why you, as a poker player will be hooked?
The captivating story isn’t the only strong point of this movie.
Real poker action
Let’s face it: Hollywood doesn’t always get poker right. But with “Molly’s Game”, the hands played, the lingo, the strategies… it’s all bang on! So, if you’re tired of movies messing up the river or turning a blind eye to the blinds, breathe easy.
The thrill of the game
Honestly, the rush of high-stakes poker is something else, isn’t it? Watching the colossal amounts of money move, the players’ battle of wits, and the sheer unpredictability – it’s a rollercoaster, and you’re strapped in for the ride!
Beyond poker: a tale of determination and grit
Now, don’t get us wrong. While the poker scenes are out-of-this-world good, it isn’t just about the cards. Molly’s journey, ups and downs, her battles with the legal system, and her undying spirit will tug at your heartstrings. One minute, you’re rooting for her; the next, you’re feeling her pain. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, like it should be!
A couple of snags (because no movie’s perfect, right?)
Well, to be fair, there might be a few moments where things slow down a tad. Some legal jargon here a few too many flashbacks there. But hey, no movie’s perfect, right? The trick is to hang in there because, trust me, the payoff is worth it!
In conclusion, Molly’s Game is an intriguing story, not only for poker aficionados
Alright, let’s wrap this up! If you’re into poker for real, skipping out on “Molly’s Game” would be like folding pocket aces preflop. A downright travesty!
- Riveting poker scenes? Check.
- A compelling real-life story? Check.
- Heart-pounding drama and intrigue? Double check.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable depiction of the glamorous world of private high-stakes games, look no more. Molly’s Game is a captivating movie within itself and should appeal even to those not into poker, so you won’t risk much watching it with your significant other.