The Vortex

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Jonathan B What a great ride. I didn't know what to expect going in, but the film surprised me in all the right ways. Gardell isn't someone I thought of as a leading man, but the role was made for him. He nailed it and kept me glued to the screen. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/06/25 Full Review Tyler H Incredible performance from Billy Gardell. The filmmakers did an amazing job of capturing the feel and the drama of 80s Vegas, both the good and the bad. Captivating from beginning to end. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/03/25 Full Review sally k "The Time Of Your Life" was a Pulitzer prize winning play that was turned into a classic film starring James Cagney. It's about a sweet guy who hangs around a bar (half drunk) in San Francisco and helps people. THE VORTEX is about a sweet guy, addicted to Gambling - who hangs around a funky non smoking room in a Casino and helps people. Both stories feature amazing quirky characters - most who are just trying to survive with some dignity. THIS FILM HAS HEART. Like a throwback to the 70's when real people with problems actually talked to each other. Amazing cast, great Acting, brilliant Direction and Amazing writing and a haunting musical score. I saw more good actors in this film than the last 10 huge grossing"Super Hero' films combined. This little movie shows there are folks still making movies for ADULTS. Billy Gardel as the lead is absolutely perfect in every scene. SEE IT! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/25 Full Review J C Definitely recommend watching this! The Vortex is a must-see for those of us who love and are interested in character-driven narratives. Its a truly compelling performance by Billy Gardell which should make it a standout film in 2025 and beyond. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/25 Full Review STEPHEN M In this character driven "New Hollywood Cinema" style Indie gem, director Zelniker takes his time to dig deeply into a real-life crisis: gambling addiction. A star turning role for stand-up comic and sitcom actor Billy Gardell -- who handles a dramatic role like a seasoned vet -- as a likeable and sympathetic gambler who is in too deep with some shady characters. This richly stylized think piece is chock full of down on their luck working class characters that inhabit the world of "off the Strip" Vegas in the 1980s who are just trying to survive the daily grind of life. Plus, there's a touch of mysticism that provides some cinematic poetry seasoned with Indigenous spirituality. A beautiful film made for true cinema lovers. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/22/25 Full Review Kimberly D Must see! This Gambling Parable tantalizes the viewer to contemplate the juxtaposition between the material world and the spiritual. At the crossroads is a gambling addict, a washed up 1980s classic Las Vegas comedian, who must make what will probably be the most important decision of his life. The audience is a fly on the wall as we become empaths, watching eccentric characters interact with Pete, played by Billy Gardell (Bad Santa). Director Richard Zelniker takes us on a vicarious adventure, one the main character carries as his self-perpetuating loop of intense focus and addiction leads to an unpredictable outcome. Well done and the subtle jazz music throughout keeps the viewer engaged. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/20/25 Full Review Read all reviews

The Vortex

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