Casinos have become a staple in Hollywood movies, with Las Vegas being the prime filming location for any director looking to make a splash. They're the perfect conduit for any movie, bringing together elements including money, crime, and suspense. From cult classics that are still loved today to more comedic, A-lister-filled movies, the genre is still going strong.
This article will look at three of the best casino moves ever made, and while there will be some notable exclusions, the list is almost endless, and we need to draw a line somewhere.
1. Ocean's Eleven (1960)
An absolute cinematic classic, which spawned one of the most popular modern film franchises, Ocean's Eleven (the original, not the remake) was released in 1960 and featured the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis. Sinatra's character, Danny Ocean, is one of cinema's most charismatic, calculating protagonists, and is fondly remembered. It's fitting that in the 2001 remake, Danny Ocean is played by George Clooney, widely seen as one of Hollywood's most charismatic men.
While casino heist movies are still a big deal today, the popularity of playing poker and slots online has moved the industry to an increasingly digital space. With countless options and genres for players to choose from, fewer customers are heading to traditional casinos, instead heading online, which means there's less chance of you bumping into a Danny Ocean-type person next time you're in Las Vegas.
2. Casino (1995)
Widely regarded as one of Scorsese's finest movies, Casino was released back in 1995 and sits in an interesting place, being one of the first blockbuster casino movies to be released in the modern cinematic era, coming just a few years before the Ocean's Eleven remake in 2001. Starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci, Casino is packed full of action, enhanced by a world-beating cost and directorial partnership, which means the movie was almost always going to be a huge hit.
Casino feels gritty and real, and shows every aspect of Las Vegas, which is what many movies often neglect. Instead, the viewer gets the inside look at one of the world's most famous locations, all while providing a deep character analysis of one of cinema's most enigmatic characters in Sam Rothstein. A movie that will be just as good no matter how many times you've seen it, Casino is a must-watch for any budding or seasoned cinephile – how many times have you seen it?
3. The Hangover (2009)
A much more modern, and lighthearted, inclusion, The Hangover was released in 2009 and quickly became the film to see, both because of the often insane plot and brilliantly talented cast. Following the story of four friends heading over to Las Vegas for their friend's bachelor party, chaos naturally ensues, and it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that many of the movie's most iconic lines are still referenced today, including the classic: You are literally too stupid to insult!
If you're looking for some lighthearted fun, that carefully walks the line between hilarious and clever, The Hangover is a great decision. While it's not the type of movie you'd watch on a first date, it's great for watching when you're hanging out with friends.
Conclusion
So, there we have it. Those are just three of our favorite Las Vegas-centric movies that we think you'll love, assuming you haven't already seen them all! Packed full of suspense, thrill, and comedy, this list will keep you entertained next time you have the place to yourself, and you certainly won't regret watching a single one of them.
No comments:
Post a Comment