Simply Perfect

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

Croupier is a very good film, that lacks in terms of excitement and overall story, though quite compelling. Clive Owen's character is a little bland on the exterior, though his inner dialogue throughout the film is very good, it's hard to care about the character. I especially loved Gina McKee as Marion. Killing her off, was an easy way out for the writer and quite disappointing. Many of the scenes feel like they were edited down quite a bit, either jumping ahead or not resolving. Which makes it feel rushed and mashed somewhat, with a short runtime. Croupier has quality content and is one of the better casino related films, though not up there with the likes of "Rounders" or "Owning Mahowny."

I would have thought the main reason for using narration in a film was to help the audience understand what was happening on screen. "Croupier" uses narration, in fact, it is a key element in the movie; however, it clarifies very little and actually makes parts of the film even harder to follow. What it does do is give an insight into the personality of the narrator and hero of the story, Jack Manfred, whose basic philosophy is: "Hang on tightly and let go lightly"."Croupier", as the name suggests is about gambling. During the course of the film blackjack and the roulette wheel feature prominently. To the uninitiated, some of the gambling procedures are obscure, and the script provides little help in understanding them.The story is about a struggling writer, Jack Manfred played by Clive Owen, who becomes a croupier to make ends meet. His previous experiences in this capacity have left bitter memories, but he soon impresses his new employer with his prowess at the gaming tables. The job puts pressure on his relationship with his girlfriend, Marion, played by Gina McKee.Despite the casino rules, he becomes attracted to Jani, a female gambler played by Alex Kingston (with a fairly convincing South African accent). Jani is under pressure from creditors and talks Jack into helping rob the casino. Things take an unexpected turn with Jack writing a bestselling novel based on his experiences.Although the plot seems straightforward when spelled out like this, much of what happens is hard to follow. Don't make a cup of coffee during this movie, let alone go to the bathroom; otherwise it could become totally indecipherable.The film maintains a lively pace, building tension towards the robbery scene, but when it finally arrives, it is decidedly anti-climatic. It seems that in their attempts to create something fresh and avoid the obvious, the makers of the film also forgot how to reward an audience for staying the course.The characters in "Croupier" are relentlessly unsympathetic. They spend a great deal of their time at the blackjack table or at the roulette wheel; the focus of their world is on themselves and their addiction to gambling. Jack Manfred is cynical, egotistical, stern faced and humourless. Although he seems devoid of real charm, women in this movie are drawn to him, but he cheats on them, and treats them badly without exception.The movie ends with the revelation that the Jack's father may have had a hand in events that unfold during the course of the movie. This rings a little false as the father's character is only briefly sketched in the film, and for the plot to then hinge on his involvement undermines what had been up until then, a perceptive if somewhat cynical story line."Croupier" is original and different – even if opportunities have been missed to fully involve the audience with its unappealing and self-seeking characters.

Croupier is an excellent icy-cool noir film. The movie has a David Mamet feel to it. I really enjoyed this movie, but the last 30 minutes left me a bit bewildered. Clive Owen is fantastic as the calm and cool Jack Manfred. A struggling writer, Jack takes up an offer from his seemingly estranged relationship with his bizarre dad to interview at a Casino for a Croupier job. Jack gets the job to the consternation of his girlfriend, Marion, who seems to be bi-polar. The requisite cast of delicious characters at the casino elevates Jack's coolness factor as he narrates in the 3rd person throughout the movie - to great effect. Croupier is a classic character study. The ethics & rules that Jack has placed upon him thru his employer get strained and blurred. The robbery scene was very disjointed and confusing - what happened? The death of Marion left more questions than answers and the revelation that Jack's dad was in fact behind the casino robbery was not developed enough. The movie flows so neatly and clean, I think it could have gone another 10 - 15 minutes with more development of the loose ends.

The Croupier (1998)Take a steady, steely very young Clive Owen and give him a mysterious past in the gambling dens of South Africa. Then have him need a job in London--at a casino. That's the movie, and all the almost inevitable pressures on him to eventually either cheat of get involved in a crime. But he gives the appearance of having been there and done that and he's cool as a cucumber. And very effective. This is one of this first really movie roles (after years of British t.v.) and you can see how he is a whole level above his peers. There isn't really a bad performance in the bunch, but lots of just serviceable stuff that lets him do his thing. The plot builds nicely, with some subtle twists and decent writing. The ending is a weirdly flat experience--meant to be shocking and open-ended no doubt--which makes you re-evaluate the climax right before that. Owes plays it all as if nothing mattered, though he does on the inside seem affected.The other twist here, almost unnecessary but it works, is that Owen is also writing a book about it all, and he sometimes (through voice-over narration) confuses and conflates the lead character in the book with himself. They are of course the same, sort of, but not too closely or he'd get caught.At doing whatever he is really doing. Never mind all the possible flaws in the plot, it clicks overall and it's intriguing. It also has a nice, if a bit brightly illuminated (t.v. style) filming. Solid, low budget stuff. And an entry into the life of a mega-actor to be. Oh, and I wouldn't call it a noir (or neo-noir) even with all the voiceovers and the alienated lead male--it lacks the other element of pure style, which this functional movie avoids too well.