Film Review: ‘The Gambler,’ Wahlberg Gambles With His Acting Range

Some casting decisions should never happen. Shaq as Tinkerbell. Hmm. Actually that might be fantastic, scratch that. But any role where Mark Wahlberg gets to wear a trucker hat—it’s a good role for him to play.
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
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Some casting decisions should never happen. Shaq as Tinkerbell. Hmm. Actually that might be fantastic, scratch that. But any role where Mark Wahlberg gets to wear a trucker hat—it’s a good role for him to play.

However, Mark Wahlberg as a professor of literature? Discussing nihilistic philosophy? Just no. How about as a professor with a gambling addiction? Still no. Gambling addiction with a trucker hat? Yes, absolutely. But the egregiously miscast “The Gambler” is not that movie.

Jim Bennett (Wahlberg) teaches English Literature and gambles too much. He’s also a verbal-abuse-type professor. He shames his class, telling them they should never, ever indulge dreams of being writers.

Mark Wahlberg as English professor Jim Bennett in "The Gambler." (Paramount Pictures)
Mark Wahlberg as English professor Jim Bennett in "The Gambler." Paramount Pictures
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the chief film critic for The Epoch Times, and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by a classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is cited in the book "How to be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to film, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, martial arts, rock-climbing, qigong, and human rights activism.
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