Parents' Guide to

Wild Card

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Statham remake is violent and contemplative, not thrilling.

Movie R 2015 92 minutes
Wild Card Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 18+

Gamblers point of view

Statham fans will not be disappointed this behind-the-scenes view of the seamier side of Las Vegas pulls no punches in showing things the way they used to be. Stanley Tucci is perfectly cast as the soft-spoken "Baby", whose respect and admiration for Nick combined with his Solomon-like wisdom, portrays the perfect example of the transitional phase between organized crime and corporate control of Las Vegas. This is not a family picture I wouldn't recommend it for the kids this shows Las Vegas before it turned into a theme park.
age 18+

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (1):

This movie can't decide if it's a bloody Vegas mob thriller or an introspective drama about a man with a "particular set of skills" who can't get out of the mess he's made of his life. Statham is best known for his ability to injure and kill on camera with a skill nearly unparalleled in contemporary action films, but in Wild Card he plays a somewhat reluctant enforcer who's having a midlife crisis. Audiences expecting a high-octane thriller are in for a surprise; most of the film is Statham gambling and wondering what a big win would grant him. With all the philosophizing about whether he should hit or not, the movie is a bit of a mess.

Director Simon West does his best to provide standout moments, casting great actors in small roles. Hope Davis plays Nick's favorite Black Jack dealer with expressive subtlety; Stanley Tucci steals scenes as a Vegas mobster; and Jason Alexander, Anne Heche, and Sofia Vergara make appearances in supporting performances. While it's pleasant to see these seasoned actors -- and even to see Statham stretch in his acting -- the film is uneven and unappealing, making it unlikely to please Statham's usual followers ... or anyone else.

Movie Details

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