The Vortex

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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 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 Read all reviews

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