'Money' isn't a sure bet

Two for the moneyFans of Matthew McConaughey and Al Pacino will enjoy "Two For the Money." If you don't like these wonderful actors, stay home and watch sports on TV.

"Two For The Money" is based on a true story about big-time sports gambling. McConaughey plays Brandon Lang, a small-time sports handicapper who is taken under the wing of Al Pacino's character, Walter Abrams. Walter runs a 900 service that provides sports gambling advice. Instead of paying for tips on stocks, you pay for tips on sports. Seems like a logical idea and nobody is better than Brandon at picking winners. Everything is going great until Brandon hits a losing streak and then the fun begins.

Since I've been known to make a friendly wager and I love sports, I was excited to see this film. I know thousands of you rely on my opinion when picking your entertainment and, as always, I'll shoot straight. This movie is a "push." In the gambling world, that means nobody wins and nobody loses. The entire picture feels like an incomplete pass.

I was hoping to see a movie on par with the 1987 classic, "Wall Street" and "Money" has the potential but the picture doesn't come through in the clutch.

Pacino is Pacino and his performance is similar to many of his other recent roles. McConaughey's charm always lights up the screen but the cliché-riddled script holds him back.

"Two For The Money" will appeal mostly to men since the entire plot revolves around football and gambling. I have no idea why this movie opened during the fifth weekend of NFL football, the baseball playoffs and the start of hockey season. If you really love sports, you'd be watching games and not going to a sports movie.

Women will enjoy the many scenes where McConaughey is shirtless or lifting weights. Obviously Matthew's given up his hometown East Texas barbecue and he's in the best shape of his career.

The soundtrack and the cinematography are beautiful. Unfortunately, most of the football action is cheesy but it was fun seeing classic USFL footage attempting to be passed off as current games.

"Two For The Money" doesn't cover the entertainment spread. So don't bet on this movie being a huge hit.

* MATT BELLNER of Burbank is an actor and professional gambler.

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