Final Wager movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Final Wager

This new take on a Christmas miracle movie is now available on Fandango and Vudu.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 32 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B-

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IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a former sports gambling addict who needs $60,000 to save his mother from a nursing home eviction. So, he falls back into his old gambling habits, but tries to hide it from his girlfriend. He discovers he has never lost a bet on Christmas day, so he he’s hoping for a Christmas miracle.

The film was directed by Kenny Yates. This is his second feature film, after earning “Best Picture” at the Playhouse West Film Festival. I think he has some great potential and I’m excited to see what he does next. Writing credits go to Jerry Artukovich.

THINGS I LIKED:

I thought it was funny that the protagonist’s name is Chance because he’s a gambler. He’s played by Scott Hamm Duenas and does a good job.
The cast also includes Michael Madsen, Tom Arnold, Jennifer Daley, and Fernanda Romero who is a popular Spanish-language TV star. All of the characters are well defined and amusing without being over-the-top. They all felt like real people. Kudos to the team.
I got a kick out of Trevor Penick’s character because he was always putting on funny outfits and had laughable confidence. This is his first feature film, formerly from the boy band “O-Town”.
In the end, my mother needed 24/7 care before she passed aways last year with Alzheimer’s, so my sisters and I made the difficult decision of putting her in a nursing home. They are very expensive! She was well cared for and all of the caregivers said she was their favorite. The story about the foster mom being kicked out of her nursing home due to insurance coverage errors hit home to me.
There are a couple of twists. I love twists.
There is also a lot of humor, both spoken and visual.
At the heart of the dark world of gambling and addiction is a man who just wants to help his foster mother. Sure, it’s melodramatic with a simple plot, but I didn’t mind too much.
The title is good and makes you want to know what the final wager and stakes will be.
It feels like a low-budget flick but I thought the cast and crew did a respectable job.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Sadly, Tom Arnold is only in one scene. I always get a kick out of him. I would love to have seen more of him.
While discouraging viewers from gambling, the movie also shows how gambling can solve all of your problems.
The timing of this film’s release is probably its greatest weakness. I think it would have been more well received with a November or December release for the holiday season. The setting of the story is around Christmas day, so we hear lots of Christmas music and see holiday decorations everywhere.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored
Some profanity, including F-bombs, and some crude comments
Lots of alcohol. Most of the scenes take place in a bar.
Talk to your kids about the dangers of gambling if you choose to watch this with them.

THEMES:

Gambling
Taking risks
Sports betting
Addiction
Caring for family
Hope
Honesty

FUNNY LINES:

“Have you ever given a 90-year-old man a sponge bath? Well, it’s not pretty. We earn our money here.” – Gary (Tom Arnold)
“Why don’t you bet on Quidditch while you’re at it?” – Ty (Trevor Penick)
“I didn’t catch your name.” – Ty (Trevor Penick) “Yeah, that was intentional.” – Stitch (Jennifer Daley)

INTERESTING LINES:

“My gambling days are behind me.” – Chance (Scott Hamm Duenas) stated just hours before he began gambling again
“You can never gamble your way out of debt.” – Ian (Michael Madsen)