TWO CLASSIC CASINO MOVIES EVERYONE SHOULD TRY

If you fancy watching a film that's gripping, fun, while packing an emotional punch, then you’ll be hard pushed to find a better genre than the casino film. From old school cinema classics to contemporary Cannes winners, all in all this sub-genre of movie is bound to have an adventure that's filled with thrills, spills, and plenty of crime-riddled-drama.





Vegas Vogue

For a plot twistin’, thrill seekin’, laugh-out-loud heist based comedy, look no further than director Steven Soderbergh's Ocean’s Eleven. A remake of the 1960 Rat Pack classic of the same name, this “carefree caper” -- according to Newsweek's film critic -- boasts an all-star cast that features such illustrious names as George Clooney, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt, with each of them wheeling, dealing, and scheming in order to make their fortune.

The story is a pretty easy one to follow, and evolves around a freshly released con-artist named “Danny” Ocean (as played by George Clooney), who hatches a plan with his trusty right-hand-man, Rusty Ryan (as played by Brad Pitt), to pull off a no-holds-barred triple robbery of the three wealthiest casinos in Las Vegas. With insider information under their belt, the duo higher a number of their ex-colleagues, which include criminal specialists and con-men played by Matt Damon and Casey Affleck (to name but a few) who help them try to pull off this huge heist.

Naturally, it’s not all going to be plain sailing, especially when Danny’s ex-wife, Tess (as played by Julia Roberts), pops up while dating the man who happens to be the owner of the three casinos they're planning to rob, Terry Benedict (as played by Andy Garcia). Eventually it becomes pretty damned obvious that the course of the robbery (and true love) will not be running smoothly. But needless to say, the team pull off the heist with sufficient suave, and, after a while, drive off rich into the sunset.

If you’re happy to get exactly what you expect, Ocean’s Eleven is a highly enjoyable casino romp with plenty of sleek suits, sunglasses, and Vegas shine. It may not be the deepest or most surprising film ever made, but I suggest you get out the pop-corn, sit back, and simply enjoy the ride.

Classic O’Clock

My all time favorite and ultimate classic casino film has to be Casablanca. The heart-string-pulling 1942 black and white adventure has long held its status as not only one of the best casino films but one of the top movies of all time, according to critics and much of the movie-going audience -- for instance, Time magazine.

It's directed by Michael Curtiz, and tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers who bet their love on the spin of a wheel. Giving a desperate refugee couple the chance of escaping Morocco and making their way towards America, hard-hearted hero, Rick Blaine (as played by Humphrey Bogart), suddenly gives the young husband, Jan, a tip on a roulette wheel.

We have to admit. that in the same way black-and-white films may feel a little odd to younger audiences, who are more accustomed to color, 3D, and CGI, a physical roulette wheel may seem unusual to people used to playing roulette and casino games online -- on sites such as Betway. The website offers more than one variant of the casino staple, from European roulette, to multiwheel roulette, to American roulette, all of which will allow the players to put their best Bogart on. However, that said, we are still confident that even millennial film-lovers will enjoy this piece of cinema history.

From this moment onwards, the audience sees Rick’s heart thaw and when, by chance, he is reunited with his old love, Ilsa (as played by Ingrid Bergman), it can only mean that sparks are going to fly. I think it best if we’ll keep the rest a surprise, but if you have to pick just one of these films, this classic story of love, war, and morality is the one I’d choose every time.