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Pacino dominates 'Two for the Money'
BY JEFF KORBELIK / Lincoln Journal Star
Thursday, Oct 06, 2005 - 11:51:36 pm CDT

Al Pacino has a way of filling up the big screen with his performances. His latest effort is no exception.

In “Two for the Money,” he plays Walter Abrams, a big-time sports handicapper who takes former college football star Brandon Lang (Matthew McConaughey) under his wing and teaches him the business.

Directed by D.J. Caruso (“Taking Lives”), “Two for the Money” is not an original story. Audiences have seen this kind of tale before in films ranging from “Cocktail” to “Wall Street.”

In these types of movies, there’s usually something or someone that comes between the mentor and the protege. In this case, it’s Rene Russo, who plays Abrams’ wife and one of McConaughey’s few friends.

The talented Russo was not a good casting choice, however. She’s about 10 years too old for the role and lacks chemistry with either Pacino or McConaughey.

The film’s other failing is a storyline involving Armand Assante, who plays a rich, powerful and ill-tempered gambler who purchases McConaughey’s betting advice.

Assante is a terrific bad guy, but his screen time is limited. He’s essential to the plot, but neither he nor the storyline are developed fully enough. It felt incomplete.

That’s not case with the performances from Pacino or McConaughey.

Pacino gives one of his better showings (and there have been many over the years) as the take-no-prisoners handicapper.

It’s actually scary to watch his transformation from a good-hearted father figure to a ruthless, cut-throat businessman.

McConaughey, to his credit, holds his own with the acting legend. He brings the right amount of naivete to his character, who goes from a small-town, football-loving athlete to a slick-haired, suit-wearing man about town.

Some of the movie’s best scenes show McConaughey going toe to toe with Pacino, particularly one with his character arguing with Pacino’s about Brandon’s deadbeat dad. The scene is emotional and revealing of both men.

Eventually, the film leads to a big game, but whether Brandon picks the winner or not is almost moot by this point.

It comes down to what kind of people these men have become and whether or not there’s any hope for either of them.

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.