Matthew McConaugheyandAl Pacinohave surprisingly similar careers; they both broke out as young stars, faced a period of critical decline, then entered major comebacks, which resulted in an Academy Award for Best Actor. Although McConaughey, unfortunately, spent the majority of the early 21st century making generic romantic comedies that didn’t fulfill his potential as an actor, he did get to share the screen with Pacino in the underrated sports dramaTwo for the Money. With a script byDan Gilroy, the future director ofNightcrawlerand co-writer ofAndor,Two for the Moneyis an exhilarating buddy film aboutthe consequences of America’s obsessionwith football.
What Is ‘Two for the Money’ About?
McConaughey stars inTwo for the Moneyas the college football star Brandon Lang, who suffers from a disastrous injury that cuts off his promising career. Although he might never be able to be back on the field, Brandon’s love of football is so strong that he begins a side business handicapping games, as his knowledge of the game is second to nobody else. Pacino co-stars as Walter Abrams, the powerful leader of a sports consulting firm that becomes impressed by Brandon’s skills. After they become fast friends during a meeting, Walter hires Brandon to develop his personality on several sports radio shows, which in turn helps him land bigger clients. Despite the financial success both men have, they each wrestle with their own indulgences; Brandon begins to lean on his instincts instead of the facts, and Walter decides to begin investing his own money in the predictions, despite the fact thathe is a recovering gambling addict.
Two for the Moneyexamines the culture around footballand how a love of the game can affect those who no longer directly participate in it. Although Brandon has desperately tried to find something else in his life that will give him the same sense of fulfillment as playing the game, he finds that the knowledge of football that he has accrued is something he can never forget; while using his skills to take advantage of a predictive model seems like a logical choice, Brandon learns that the stakes of his career and life are more important than just losing a game. His dynamic with Walter is an interesting one, as despite the fact that they share a lot of respect for one another, Brandon’s new mentor does seem to encourage many of his worst impulses. While it is easy to see that Walter’s strange financial decisions will ultimately land him in trouble, Brandon seeks to win his affection, as it is the first time since being a star player that he feels like he truly matters. The bond between them quickly evolves from a simple employment opportunity toa relationship that feels more paternal.
Two for the Moneyis surprisingly accessible, as it presents the art of making game predictions and player rankings in an entertaining way that doesn’t require knowledge or fandom of football. In the same way that classic poker movies likeRoundersandCasino Royalecan still be entertaining for those who don’t know how to play,Two for the Money’s focus on the strategy behind making public declarations does help make it palatable for non-sports buffs. Nonetheless, those who do have a deep love of football won’t be disappointed by the game footage; directorD.J. Carusopresents several stylized reimaginings of critical games that feature inventive moments of coverage and perspective that wouldn’t be included within a traditional television broadcast.
Matthew McConaughey and Al Pacino Have Great Chemistry in ‘Two for the Money'
Two for the Moneyshows why McConaughey is such a great movie star, as Brandon is a character who exudes confidence. Although he is often more reckless than his clients are aware of, Brandon has an ability to inspire faith in the wildest of his schemes, regardless of whether they are actually feasible. Although there are serious moments in which Brandon reflects upon what his real legacy will end up being, McConaughey does a great job atdelivering the snarky, humorous dialoguethat Gilroy is known for. His performance is so utterly charismatic that the film needed someone like Pacino, who could chew the scenery within any of their interactions. Pacino and McConaughey can go head-to-head in some of the film’s most heated exchanges; it feels like the passing of the torch from one great actor to the star of the next generation.
Pacino is able to play a character of real substance, which is distinct from the period of his career in which he was just becoming a caricature of himself. Although Walter is an eccentric character, the film suggests that he has tried to cultivate a reputation that will stick in the minds of his potential investors and clients. As Brandon learns quickly, the worst thing to be in the competitive sports betting world is forgettable. Although Pacino is given many opportunities to deliver spirited monologues from Gilroy’s terrific screenplay, the film also examines the cost that this level of performative idiosyncrasy has on his personal relationships; Walter’srelationship with his wife,Toni (Rene Russo), begins to crumble, as she is burdened by trying to determine what his true motivations are.
Two for the Moneyhas an interesting philosophy on victory, as it suggests that the best athletes are those who focus on structuring a career, and not just winning a single game. Although Brandon initially thinks that risking everything will give him the same exhilaration thathe did when he was a player, he learns to accept that true victory means finding something that is worth being passionate about. While the film does have some cynical thoughts about the way that sports betting has evolved, it does show that fandom has value, particularly for those who no longer get to have the experience of being on the field.Two for the Moneyis a fun, smart exploration of sports betting that gives two of the greatest living actors the opportunity to bounce off one another.
Two For the Money
