Owning Mahowny

A subtle, intimately crafted story about a gambling passion that led one bureaucrat astray. While the film lacks the atmosphere of Croupier or the compelling story of Casino, it has two significant strengths that reliably elevate it above average. The first is the presence of the excellent Philip Seymour Hoffman in the lead role, and the second is John Hurt in the role of his opponent. Excellent character psychology and decent direction. A small film about one big deception. Overall impression: 75%. (2008.08.13)

I can't say that Owning Mahowny is about nothing. It's just that I found the thing it's about so desperately boring and unbearably long-winded that I had a hard time sticking with it to the end. Seriously. Two and a half stars are deserved especially the unsympathetic, sweaty Philip Seymour Hoffman and (the only character I understood in this film) the casino owner played brilliantly by John Hurt. Otherwise, a pretty uninteresting, grey bore that I probably shouldn't have bet on. (2011.07.23)