Mashing together the “gambling movie” and the “road movie,” Mississippi Grind puts two down-and-out hucksters on the path to redemption as they travel along the Mississippi River, hitting up just about any spot that will let them place a bet. From Half Nelson and It’s Kind Of A Funny Story directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the film stars Ben Mendelsohn as Gerry, a lifetime gambler, who ropes Ryan Reynolds’ Curtis into accompanying him on an ambitious road trip to New Orleans. A.A. Dowd caught the movie at Sundance and praised its “excellent” lead performances, as well as it’s low-key, shambling narrative. Mississippi Grind opens in Chicago on October 2, but The A.V. Club and A24 have an opportunity for you to see it for free on September 23. For your chance to win a pair of passes to the advance screening, simply follow the link here and enter your information. As always, seats will be first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early. An official plot synopsis and trailer for the film can be found below.
“In this lively, freewheeling road movie, Ben Mendelsohn plays Gerry, a talented but down-on-his-luck gambler whose fortunes begins to change when he meets Curtis (Ryan Reynolds), a younger, highly charismatic poker player. The two strike up an immediate friendship and Gerry quickly persuades his new friend to accompany him on a road trip to a legendary high stakes poker game in New Orleans. As they make their way down the Mississippi River, Gerry and Curtis manage to find themselves in just about every bar, racetrack, casino, and pool hall they can find, experiencing both incredible highs and dispiriting lows, but ultimately forging a deep and genuine bond that will stay with them long after their adventure is over.”