The Vortex

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Christian W As I was searching for something to watch I happened to stumble upon "The Vortex". Since I am a fan of Billy Gardell's work (Mike & Molly / Bob Hears Abishola) and films based in Las Vegas I rented it not knowing a lot going in about the film itself. Once the film was done, I was both really glad I watched the film and wanted to recommend others to find this film out (I watched in on Comcast Xfinity, however I do believe it is available wherever you can rent / buy films). I do not want to give spoilers, however I do want to give some shoutouts. Billy Gardell was really good in this role. While there are comedic elements, he plays the lead role of Pete with depth and complexities that anyone who knows someone like him can truly relate to (and if not, the viewer understands exactly where Pete is at this stage of his life. It was great to see Christopher Titus in a non-comedic role. I hope based on this performance; he gets more opportunities to play this type of character again. The rest of the supporting cast really did their part to give weight to Pete's situation and have their own character arcs. At a very brisk 80 minutes, the film flew by tightly directed by Richard Zelniker. It felt like everything had a purpose that was on screen. It has a nice old school jazz score to go with the film that made you feel that you were in an old school Vegas Lounge back in the day. In summary if you want to see a really good film that is quite honestly different than most films made today give "The Vortex" a watch, when it is over I believe you will have enjoyed your time with these characters. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/22/25 Full Review Andrew Z Brilliant Direction from Director and co-writer Richard Zelniker - captured a Vibe from the opening frames and commanded warm, rich performances from the flesh-and-blood characters that inhabit endearing gambling addict Pete (Billy Gardell)'s world. Dark undertones (it's gambling in Vegas after all!) were presented as just that - undertones, like brush strokes behind Billy's arresting, warm performance. We absolutely need more films like this. The characters stayed with me, and the technical skill on hand was palapable. Highly recommend!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/21/25 Full Review Tania K I watched this film on a reco from a very hard critic I follow on linkedin and the dialogue and commitment to the character development through the dialogue was really interesting to watch. The camera angles and camera work was also interesting and it became its own character in the film as you realize the flow the director is going for - once you latch onto the synchrony of the way the film is being directed, its a fascinating watch. You feel for the lead when he does the "right thing" even at his own demise. We need more of these kinds of stories and films. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/17/25 Full Review Nomad L The Vortex is a throwback in the best sense, a dialogue-driven character study. Billy Gardell of Mike & Molly fame, is almost unrecognizable as Pete Finnegan, a past-his-prime Vegas comic stuck in "the vortex" of his gambling addiction the night before the infamous MGM Grand fire of 1980. Gardell delivers a grounded performance, anchoring the film with quiet intensity and surprising vulnerability. The majority of the movie takes place in one room, the night unfolding in mostly one continuous shot, highlighting the intimacy of the story. With stylish direction, purposeful pacing, a standout jazz soundtrack and strong ensemble (including Jaina Lee Ortiz, Emily Alabi, Azita Ghanizada, Christopher Titus and Jamie McShane, director Richard Zelniker crafts an artful movie that's a welcome departure from the frenetic spectacles dominating the cinema these days. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/30/25 Full Review James P 'The Vortex' brought me back to the ol'e school 1980's Las Vegas casino's with it's wonderful sets and paid in full. It was the HUGE JACKPOT! A must see for any casino lover! If you love to gamble, this movie is for you. Watch Billy G incise best performance ever. Bet BIG on 'The Vortex' because it delivers! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/06/25 Full Review Filmviewer 3 Brilliant acting and direction... In an era of hollow super hero movies and mindless filmmaking , The Vortex is a much needed breath of fresh air. Kudos to the director for delivering such a brilliant artistic piece. The movie grabs you from the start, with its haunting sound, tone and imagery and slowly introduces you to a world of dark and intriguing characters. Gardell shines in this film, but it's also the strength of the ensemble that really helps carry the movie. Zelniker allows the scenes to breathe and (the use of the oner scene(s)/camera work adds another skillful layer to their work.) If you're an artist, actor or just plain enjoy inventive filmmaking, this is a movie you won't want to miss. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/03/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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