Whether his fault or not (in reality, the vast majority of actors don’t have much control over how a movie turns out), Ryan Reynolds has developed a reputation as a heckuva nice guy (he is Canadian, after all) who can’t make a good movie to save his life. Maybe that all could change with Mississippi Grind. After all, it co-stars Ryan Reynolds with future awards darling Ben Mendelsohn (just wait), in a movie written and directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, previously of acclaimed Ryan Gosling indie Half Nelson (*cough* wildly overrated *cough, cough*).
Mississippi Grind is getting an early DirecTV run in August, followed by a limited theatrical run in September, hot off solid reviews from Sundance.
Gerry is a talented poker player, but his gambling habit is getting the best of him. One day, he meets a charismatic young traveler named Curtis. Deeming Curtis his lucky charm, Gerry convinces him that they should hit the road together. As they gamble their way down South toward a legendary high-stakes poker game in New Orleans, the trip’s highs and lows unveil the duo’s true character and motivation, and an undeniable bond forms between them. [sundance synopsis]
I’m in. No one plays a weasely greasebag like Ben Mendelsohn. He’s the John Wayne of slimy scuzzballs.