Croupier centres around Clive Owen and his character, Jack, a frustrated author who takes a job at a casino arranged by his father. Jack slowly morphs into Jake, the central character in the book he is finally able to write based on his own experiences at the casino.
Owen is in virtually every scene and carries the film well, showing he can make the jump from small screen to big screen. His character is cold and detached, a perfect contrast to the players at the casino who show their emotions with every turn of the card and his romantic girlfriend Monica.
You are left guessing at Jack's past and the plot develops nicely, each new chapter presenting itself with ease. The pacing and script are efficient and the supporting roles, such as Alex Kingston's gambler with a motive (and yes, she does get her kit off), are fine.
However, the film simply lacks the killer punch that differentiates between the good and the great. The ending is pat and weak and does not deliver the crescendo the rest of the film demands.
Owen is in virtually every scene and carries the film well, showing he can make the jump from small screen to big screen. His character is cold and detached, a perfect contrast to the players at the casino who show their emotions with every turn of the card and his romantic girlfriend Monica.
You are left guessing at Jack's past and the plot develops nicely, each new chapter presenting itself with ease. The pacing and script are efficient and the supporting roles, such as Alex Kingston's gambler with a motive (and yes, she does get her kit off), are fine.
However, the film simply lacks the killer punch that differentiates between the good and the great. The ending is pat and weak and does not deliver the crescendo the rest of the film demands.