THE CARD COUNTER: The beginning of THE CARD COUNTER recalls many other gambling films (CROUPIER, HARD EIGHT, 21, THE CINCINNATI KID), and you will see some of the poker played the way it is in CASINO ROYALE. The main character (William Tell, played by Oscar Isaac) tells how he gambles and what his strategy (and philosophy) is. It is always interesting to see a professional do his thing, as well as to see the tacky neon decoration of the casino town. But then things take a darker turn as he is visited by someone (Cirk, played by Tye Sheridan) who wants to use Tell's past skills to achieve his own goals. There are peculiar chuckling sounds on the soundtrack that never get explained. Caveat: There is strong violence and full frontal male nudity.

Released 09/10/21; available on various streaming services. Rating: +2 (-4 to +4), or 7/10.

Film Credits: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11196036/reference

What others are saying: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_card_counter

					Mark R. Leeper
					Copyright 2022 Mark R. Leeper