Casinos have always held a mystique and allure that captivates audiences around the globe. Whether it’s the high-stakes gambling, the glamorous atmosphere, or the possibility of striking it rich, the world of casinos has provided fertile ground for storytelling in cinema.
Inspired by real-money and sweepstakes casinos, filmmakers have crafted a myriad of casino-themed movies over time, each offering a unique perspective on the thrilling world of gambling. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the top five rated casino movies, ranging from tales of secret agents to comedic escapades.
At the top of our list sits Casino Royale, a film that reinvigorated the James Bond franchise with a fresh approach to the iconic spy character. Directed by Martin Campbell and starring Daniel Craig as Agent 007, this adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel takes viewers on a high-octane journey through the world of international espionage and high-stakes poker.
The film opens with Bond embarking on his first mission as a newly minted Double-0 agent. His objective: To thwart a terrorist financier named Le Chiffre (portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen) in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. As Bond navigates the treacherous waters of the poker table, he encounters love, betrayal, and danger at every turn.
What sets Casino Royale apart from other Bond films is its focus on character development and gritty realism. Daniel Craig’s portrayal of a more rugged and emotionally complex Bond struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, earning widespread acclaim. The film’s pulse-pounding action sequences, stunning cinematography, and taut screenplay make it a standout in the genre and a must-watch for any casino movie aficionado.
Next on our list is Ocean’s Eleven, a stylish and slick heist film directed by Steven Soderbergh and featuring an ensemble cast of Hollywood A-listers. Led by George Clooney as the charismatic Danny Ocean, a group of eleven skilled criminals conspire to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously.
The allure of Ocean’s Eleven lies not only in its intricate plot and clever twists but also in the chemistry between its ensemble cast. From Brad Pitt’s laid-back Rusty Ryan to Matt Damon’s eager pickpocket Linus Caldwell, each character brings their own unique flair to the table, creating a dynamic and entertaining group dynamic.
As Danny Ocean and his crew meticulously plan and execute their audacious heist, viewers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of suspense, humour, and unexpected revelations. The film’s stylish direction, snappy dialogue, and pulsating soundtrack combine to create an exhilarating cinematic experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Ocean’s Eleven not only redefined the heist genre but also cemented its place as one of the most beloved casino movies of all time, spawning two sequels and a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow to this day.
In Secret Agents, directed by Frédéric Schoendoerffer, we’re drawn into the intricate world of espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes gambling. Starring Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci, the film follows two undercover agents tasked with infiltrating a high-stakes poker game held in a luxurious casino.
As the agents navigate the dangerous waters of international espionage, they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and double-crosses that threatens to unravel their carefully laid plans. With its gripping storyline and stylish direction, and the stellar performances from its cast, Secret Agents offers a fresh take on the casino movie genre, blending elements of espionage and gambling into a thrilling cinematic experience.
Set in 1930s Chicago, The Sting is a timeless classic that combines elements of crime, comedy, and suspense to create a cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. Directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, the film follows two con men as they orchestrate an elaborate scheme to swindle a powerful mob boss out of a fortune.
What sets The Sting apart from other casino movies is its intricate plot, clever deception, and nostalgic charm. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the smoky back rooms of underground gambling dens, the film immerses viewers in a bygone era of fedoras, jazz music, and prohibition-era speakeasies.
As the elaborate con unfolds, viewers are treated to a series of unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a thrilling climax that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. With its stellar cast, sharp dialogue, and stylish direction, The Sting remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire filmmakers and entertain audiences to this day.
Rounding out our list is The Hangover, a raucous comedy that takes a decidedly irreverent approach to the casino movie genre. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, the film follows a group of friends as they embark on a wild bachelor party weekend in Las Vegas that goes hilariously awry.
What sets The Hangover apart from other casino movies is its focus on outrageous humour, absurd situations, and larger-than-life characters. From the moment the characters wake up with no memory of the previous night’s events to their frantic search for the groom-to-be, the film delivers non-stop laughs and unexpected twists at every turn.
As the characters navigate their way through a series of increasingly absurd and outrageous situations, viewers are treated to a wild ride that defies expectations and revels in its own absurdity. With its memorable characters, quotable dialogue, and outrageous humour, The Hangover has become a modern classic and a favourite among fans of casino movies and comedies alike.
While the top five rated casino movies undoubtedly offer captivating narratives and unforgettable performances, there are several honourable mentions that also deserve recognition for their contributions to the genre.
Firstly, 21 (2008), directed by Robert Luketic, is based on the true story of a group of MIT students who use their mathematical prowess to count cards and win big at blackjack tables in Las Vegas. Starring Jim Sturgess and Kevin Spacey, this film combines elements of suspense and drama with the thrill of high-stakes gambling.
Another notable mention is Rain Man (1988), directed by Barry Levinson and starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. While not exclusively focused on casinos, the film features a memorable sequence in which Cruise’s character takes his autistic brother, played by Hoffman, to Las Vegas, where his exceptional memory and mathematical abilities enable him to excel at blackjack.
Additionally, Croupier (1998), directed by Mike Hodges and starring Clive Owen, offers a unique perspective on the world of casinos through the eyes of a professional croupier. The film explores themes of addiction, manipulation, and moral ambiguity, providing a gritty and thought-provoking portrayal of the casino industry.
While these films may not have cracked the top five, they nevertheless offer compelling stories, memorable characters, and captivating performances that contribute to the rich tapestry of casino-themed cinema.
From the high-stakes world of international espionage to the comedic chaos of a bachelor party gone wrong, the top-rated casino movies offer something for every viewer. Whether you’re a fan of pulse-pounding action, intricate heists, or laugh-out-loud comedy, these films showcase the thrill and excitement of the casino experience in all its forms. So, grab some popcorn, place your bets and get ready for a cinematic journey unlike any other.
Not that it was a contest, especially with its eye-popping $98.5 million opening last weekend, but Fast and Furious 6 for a second week regins supreme at the Box Office in North America, earning $34.5 million from 3,686 theatres for Universal Pictures.
Never to be outdone, Now You See Me, the Magic-themed Action-Thriller exceeds expectations, earning a smart $28.1 million from 2,925 theatres, landing it in second spot for Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate Films/eOne Films. Made for $75 million, the Film stars Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Mélanie Laurent, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine. Although Critics weren’t wowed, tallying-in at 45% on the Tomatometer, Audiences responded with a resounding “yes” and an A- CinemaScore.
Will Smith and his Son Jaden team together on Sci-Fi/Adventure, After Earth, debuting in third with $27 million from 3,401 theatres. This proves a bit troublesome for Sony Pictures which invested $130 million in production costs on the Film. Critics panned it, giving it a 12% rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences thought likewise, although they were far more forgiving with a B CinemaScore.
In the fourth spot this weekend we have a rare two-way tie between Epic, the latest Animated Feature from 20th Century Fox, which in its second week brings-in with $16.4 million alongside Star Trek Into Darkness. To date, the latter has grossed $181 in North America for Paramount Pictures. The Hangover Part III slips to fifth spot this weekend, earning $15.9 million and a two-week cumulative domestic total of $87.4 million.
Rounding-out the Top Ten this weekend is Mud from Roadside Attractions/eOne Films, earning $1.2 million from only 580 theatres in its sixth week. To date, the Drama starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, has grossed $16.9 million. It has earned some super reviews – an almost unheard of 99% on the Tomatometer.
Expectations were high for Fast & Furious 6, but this latest Film in the Franchise is a Monster indeed on an international scale, debuting this weekend with $98.5 million alone in North America from 3,658 theatres. Globally already, it has made an amazing $275.5 million for Universal Pictures. Made for $160 million, it looks well on its way to recouping that money back for Universal Pictures in a – pardon the pun – fast ‘n’ furious manner! Audiences also loved the Film giving it a coveted A CinemaScore and many Critics agreed with 72% at Rotten Tomatoes. With all releases surpassing an expected $300 million at the Box Office this U.S. Memorial Day Weekend, a new Box Office record was established for the Holiday. Combined, all six Films in the Franchise have made $797.4 million domestically.
Debuting in second with $42.4 million this weekend for Warner Bros., is the conclusion to The Wolfpack Trilogy, The Hangover Part III, from 3,555 theatres. Still solid, this Installment falls short compared to its 2011 Predecessor The Hangover Part II, which debuted with $85.9 million. Although Critics didn’t respond favorably, tallying a 25% rating at Rotten Tomatoes, Audiences seemed to enjoy it with a B CinemaScore. To date, the Series in North America has grossed $574 million.
Following closely behind in third is Star Trek Into Darkness which in its second week of release earns $38 million. In its two-week run, it has grossed $155 million for Paramount Pictures.
Without much choice in terms of Family-oriented Films, Epic opens to a smart $34.2 million for 20th Century Fox in fourth spot. Starring an interesting array of voices, the Animated Feature boasts a Cast of: Beyoncé, Josh Hutcherson, Steven Tyler, Pitbull, Aziz Ansari, Amanda Seyfried and Christoph Waltz.
Not to be disgraced, Iron Man 3 continues to draw a crowd in fifth spot, now in its third week earning $19.4 million, with a total of $373 in its domestic run to date. Not far behind is The Great Gatsby which also in its third week out, closes the gap on that Box Office rival with $13.7 million at number six.
Bubbling under, the eagerly-awaited third Film in its Romance Series Before Midnight, opens in only five theatres across the U.S. in Limited Release, earning an impressive $274k. Torontonians and Vancouverites will have to wait till June 7, 2013 when it gets a release north of the Border.
“I suppose you’re wondering why I called you here today”, Ken Jeong says as he settles into his seat before a room of Journalists today on the rooftop of his über-chic Toronto Hotel. “I’m here today to update you on my Facebook Status: it’s complicated.”.
The youthful-spirited Funnyman’s Career has blossomed in recent years, becoming in his own right a Pop Culture Icon for his Role in The Hangover Franchise as the fearless, volatile and mostly funny, Leslie Chow. His brazen nude scenes forever have been ingrained in the Moviegoing Public’s Psyche, his remarks so funny because well, they’re painfully true for the most part. Jeong is in-town to promote the Finale to the Box Office record-breaking, Golden Globe-winning Franchise, also known affectionately to Fans as The Wolfpack Trilogy. Without a wedding, this Installment has The Wolfpack on a goose chase to find Mr. Chow from Mexico to Las Vegas.
Anyone expecting an alignment between his public and private personas just might be in for a bit of a shock. Jeong is demure and actually v. articulate – an observation I made earlier in the day watching him greet some Fans on a morning stop of his Toronto Press Tour. One Journalist tells him, “I admit I’m having a hard time reconciling Mr. Chow and Ken Jeong!“. Even he agrees with her observation.
Many don’t realize that the Funnyman known also for his work on NBC‘s just-renewed Sitcom Community as Señor Ben Chang, abandoned a flourishing career as a Doctor over ten years ago. “I actually keep in touch with some of my patients. They tell me, ‘I’m just so happy that you have an outlet because you’re so intense and serious most of the time'”, he reveals about his Doctor Days. “I never showed up in Clownsuit. I’m not Patch Adams, that’s for sure.”.
Although maybe bordering inappropriate to make mention about Race, it is undeniable that Asian-American Actors are scarce in Hollywood today. What Jeong has done with his Career as both a Comedian and an Actor has been nothing short of astonishing, paving possibilities for an under-seen type of Face in Film and Television. He admits, “Chow is a Meta-Joke, how he makes fun of the Asian Accent. All along, I was poking fun at Stereotypes and Archetypes in Movies.”. He adds, “Chow is one of those Characters you can go as over-the-top as you want with but still be within the confines of the Character.”.
I ask him about his own personal Comedic Heroes, being an Inspiration to many himself. First and foremost he lists Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy and David Letterman. “For some reason they stick out. They’re Geniuses, which I’m not. They have a sense of fearlessness which I admire.”. On his Contemporaries, he pays respect to the likes of Dana Carvey, Will Ferrell and Sacha Baron Cohen, pointing-out their endless commitment to scenes. “Zach Galifianakis and I have been friends for over 15 years. I’d say he’s the funniest Actor-in-work right now and that’s not only because we’re friends. When I’m having a bad day, I can just go on Funny or Die and watch Between Two Ferns“, he laughs. “I’ve worked practically with everyone in Comedy. Nobody makes me laugh like him.”.
His praise for Co-Stars isn’t exclusive to just Galifianakis. He raves from a genuine place about Ed Helms and Bradley Cooper also. “I can’t say enough good things about them. They are the three most ego-less diva-free Leads you could work with. We’re low-key and really save it all for the Camera”, he recalls his experience with the Trilogy. “There was a free-flowing of ideas. I felt by the third Movie, I could say anything and had no inhibitions – that is what I’m gonna miss most. This third Movie is the most fun I’ve had making any of The Hangover Movies.”.
Perhaps his most physically-challenging role to date, Jeong reveals that he conquered his greatest fear during the filming of The Hangover Part III. “I can say there’s a point in the Movie where Chow does a thirty-foot Free-Fall Drop with hundreds of gallons of water behind him. I’m massively afraid of heights and worked for six weeks with Stunt Coordinator Jack Gill who week-by-week would desensitize me.”. After a short pause he proclaims, “Physically, that was the greatest day of my Acting Career!”.
Jeong might appear shyer in person than on-screen but he certainly isn’t shy about his deep affections for Chow. In comparing Chow to his Chang Character on Community, he jokes, “Chow would eat Chang in a fight. He lives large. A Villain who can make me laugh is something I’m instinctively drawn to.”.
But is a Spin-off of sorts in-the-cards for our beloved Leslie Chow? “I would love to do that, making sure it was a completely different thing from The Hangover. I have absolute confidence in it.”, says Jeong. “I quit my Dayjob to pursue Imagination and Chow is the widest spectrum of Imagination. I love that Character. He is the one Character I could play for life.”.
Warner Bros. releases The Hangover Part III on May 23, 2013. Fans will savour Chow‘s expanded presence in this emotional and fitting end to the iconic Wolfpack Trilogy.
See my Snaps of Jeong below:
Audio below:
In the meantime, we’ve got an official Signed Photo from Ken Jeong to give away, but only Fans of Mr. Will Wong on Facebook can enter! Details here.
We spotted Jeong out and about earlier. Click here for more on that!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Funnyman Ken Jeong has arrived! The Actor/Comedian/Doctor was up and at ’em early doing Press today in support of the Grand Finale to The Wolfpack Trilogy, The Hangover Part III. Having left an imprint on our collective Social Conscience with his performance as Leslie Chow in the Box Office record-breaking, Golden Globe-winning Franchise, Jeong has a hectic day ahead. In addition to visiting KISS 92.5 earlier today, appearing on The Roz & Mocha Show, he also head down near the Waters, appearing at The Edge on The Dean Blundell Show also.
Fans will have a chance to see their beloved Mr. Chow at MuchMusic‘s New.Music.Live at 6:00 PM, followed by an appearance at the Red Carpet Advance Screening of The Hangover Part III, to be held at Scotiabank Theatre. Other Celebrity arrivals are expected, so keep your eyes peeled and your flashes ready.
Billy and I had the pleasure of getting a Snap together – Sombrero included – with Chow at KISS 92.5 Studios and he was an absolute delight, a few Fans giddy at the rare sight of him being in our City. “I appreciate all of this”, he tells me graciously, making time for Photos despite a beyond-packed morning. Fans will revel in the fact that Jeong has an expanded role in the Film, as Mr. Chow unleashes his fury on anyone who gets in his way of Fortune!
See a brief Video Clip of him with Fans below:
See our Snap:
Warner Bros. Canada releases The Hangover Part III on Thursday, May 23, 2013.
I will be sitting down with Jeong later today. Stay tuned for our Chat!
UPDATE: Just how awesome is this?
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#MRCHOWinTO. It’s a Hashtag, check it! Beloved Funnyman Ken Jeong of The Hangover Franchise fame as you might have heard, will be in Toronto Wednesday and you too have a chance not only to see the sassy Mr. Chow in-person himself, but you have a chance to see this Finale in the Wolf Pack Trilogy before everyone else! I just saw it today and couldn’t stop laughing. Also, Melissa McCarthy is just another level of amazing.
In addition to sitting down and chatting with Jeong Wednesday – which I’m absolutely delighted about – I’m thrilled to share the news that there will be Rush Line Tickets for this Red Carpet Special Advance Screening of The Hangover Part III, so line-up early at Scotiabank Theatre and good luck to you! If you’re happy with just getting a glimpse of him, he’ll be at MuchMusic for New.Music.Live at 6:00 PM, prior to the Screening.
Have fun and send-in your Photos!
Warner Bros. releases The Hangover Part III on Friday, May 24, 2013.
(Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)
I’ve just returned from my Trip to New York City, capturing the 2013 Met Gala and after being told my Concierge I’d have to borrow a Cart to transport a large package I received, I didn’t know what exactly our Friends at Warner Bros. had in store! After a bit of effort rummaging through some packaging foam, what surfaced was an amazing The Hangover Part III Gift Basket, complete with a T-Shirt, Nachos, Salsa, Sombrero, Goblets and get this, a Giraffe Pinata! Even Billy watched in awe as I opened the Parcel!
See it below:
We’ve also caught wind that one of the Actors from the Franchise just may be coming to Toronto shortly to promote this final installment of The Wolfpack Trilogy! Reuniting Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis, Director/Writer Todd Phillips is sure to bring forward the laughs again as The Wolfpack venture to Las Vegas, only to find themselves in trouble once again.
In case you’ve missed it, here’s the official Trailer:
Warner Bros. releases The Hangover Part III on Friday, May 26, 2013!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
A brand new Trailer for The Hangover Part III has just premiered and here we see the Wolf Pack get into all sorts of antics yet again in Las Vegas, with more of a focus here on the destructive friendship between Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis). Basically there are Roosters, Gunshots and somehow Bradley Cooper winds-up dangling on a rope made of sheets from his Hotel window. Just your average Boys’ Night Out.
Watch the Trailer below:
In a rare move, Warner Bros. is premiered the first official Trailer for The Hangover Part III earlier today live via Satellite only for Media. The Digital Trailer now is finally available for the rest of us!
The Comedy is the final installment in Todd Phillips’ record-breaking Comedy Trilogy, reuniting Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha together again and this time around there is no Bachelor Party nor a Wedding. So what could go wrong, right?
Heather Graham, Ken Jeong, Jamie Chung and Mike Tyson also will be returning in this final Installment.
Watch the full Trailer below:
Warner Bros. releases The Hangover Part III on May 24, 2013.
(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)
“So was the Sequel disappointing?” is the first thing he said to me as he walked into the Interview Suite of this Yorkville Hotel. It was a long day of Press, following another busy day of promotion yesterday in Philadelphia. Toronto is just another stopoff on an aggressive Promo Tour which will be taking much of his time over the next two weeks. Catching me off-guard completely before a small table of Journalists, it took me a second to realize what he was up to. “I loved The Hangover, so yeah – big shoes, Bradley!”, I chuckled back at him.
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