Review: Molly's Game

It's not often that we have a film with Aaron Sorkin doing the writing. But when we do, it is usually a high-quality and memorable experience. However, as well as being the head of writing, Sorkin is now making his long-awaited directorial debut.

Like a lot of people, Sorkin for me is the best writer in the business right now. His slick, fast-paced and in-depth style of dialogue is a feast for the ears and enhances films in such a way that have made some of them my all-time favourites.

It is really is quite the true story. You swiftly get introduced to the situation at hand and Chastain's screen presence is instantly gripping. As you get back to loving Sorkin's dialogue, the story is getting more and more out of hand, but in a really good way.
Then as we were approaching the final act, it manages to enhance the human part of the story rather well and that gave it that extra edge over similar stories.

Jessica Chastain is nothing but an absolute powerhouse in the lead. I have always been a big fan of hers, since I first saw her in The Help. Most of her performances see her as strong, powerful and sexy all at once. In this, she is hitting all those notes to the highest quality possible. I would not be surprised if she gets nominated in the major awards.
I think Idris Elba was solid enough for me. But I don't think he was that engaging to possibly steal the show from Chastain. If it wasn't for the strong writing from Sorkin, then I think he may have been disappointing. But Elba's execution of the dialogue was perfectly fine to get by and it never detracted my enjoyment levels.
Chastain and Elba's together was a strong point and the execution of the comedic moments worked well.
It was great seeing Kevin Costner and I felt he was a pleasing addition and contributed well when needed. I was expecting this, but I liked the performance of Michael Cera. He is probably one of my most hated actors. But seeing him in this and 'This Is The End', I was engaged and invested with his character.

I was only aware of the character of Molly Bloom through her sporting background and the success of her brothers as well. So it was fascinating to know about this story and I think Sorkin and his team have told really well.
I think this is a highly entertaining watch with great performances and obvious vintage writing from the man himself. The impressive performance by Chastain and the way she executed the dialogue made this one of the best performances of the year. The support is not exceptional but solid all-round nervertheless, the pacing is fairly fast and slick in its style. It also gets emotional in the perfect amount of doses.
It may be 2hrs 20 mins, but it certainly does not feel like it. I hope to see Sorkin branch out into more directing roles, whilst also remaining the head of writing of course. If you think the art of writing in the movie industry is dead, just check this out and you can still find some high-quality writers.

Rating: 8/10