Money Kings / Vig (1998)

Hmm...Money Kings would have been perfect for a couple of themes I did a few years ago: gangster movies, and films dealing with addiction.

Synopsis: Peter Falk mugs his way through forgettable crime drama as the Bookie With a Heart of Gold.

 

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “REVENGE HAS NO LIMITS.” 

What Did I Learn?: Even gangsters really enjoy a nice, cold, refreshing glass of apple cider.

 

You Might Like This Movie If: You'll watch Peter Falk in anything.

 

Really?: 1) See: "Synopsis". Seriously, I don't think real-life bookies are terribly warm or caring people. 2) Hmm...Freddie Prinze Jr. as a tough mobster. Not sure I see that one. 3) So, is Timothy Hutton the star of this film? Funny how Frankie's alcoholism and chronic gambling get him into so much trouble, yet these problems are never really addressed. Oh, and I had a great deal of trouble believing his wife, Mary Beth (Lauren Holly) would agree to sleep with Tony (Prinze) to cover his debts, or stay married to him.

 

Rating: While Money Kings features a surprisingly talented cast (which includes Tyne Daly, Frank Vincent and Colm Meaney), the film never transcends its by-the-numbers script, and Prinze is woefully miscast as Tony Cicero. 6/10 stars. 

 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0131110/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1