The Vortex

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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 Gabriel B You don’t need $200million and a franchise tie-in to tell a story. Although made on a minuscule budget the film doesn’t seem cheap. Confident and stylish from the opening, Zelniker creates an authentic, lived-in world that pulls you deep into it, despite the risk of suffocation. Gardell puts on a nuanced and thoughtful performance in the lead role, it’s a welcome dramatic turn for the sitcom star, when the stakes are high and the odds are low his charisma is undeniable. The acting, directing and production design shine through. More films like this please. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/25 Full Review Audience Member Awesome film! Bill G surprised the hell out of me. Now, I'm on the lookout for Richard Zelniker (writer/director)! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/25 Full Review Donna K Billy Gardell is great, you really feel for the guy. But the script is light on good dialogue, you can tell the movie is low budget. The other actors hold their own. I wanted to see more, it ends too early. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/16/25 Full Review Audience Member I was engaged from the first second. A card with text came up with the historical MGM Grand fire information. 1980. Vegas. Followed by enchanting music that was mesmerizing as credits started coming up, then followed by a tableau of shots that kept me on the edge of my seat. Such a unique and unusual way to keep the audience engaged from the start to finish. A character-driven movie that resembled the best of a stage play with the immediacy of a deeply cinematic tone seen through a camera that is basically a fly on the wall in a mostly one room set, a slots room where the compulsive gambler, Billy Gardell plays and hosts a bunch of wacky folks who come and go. Characters in equal parts dangerous, amusing, strange, eccentric and entertaining there was never a dull moment. The performances were across the board amazing! The music, the design, and the hint of a karmic story that brings the Southern Paiute nation into the hands of a supernatural and mystical power that drives the question of what really happened at the MGM Grand that night... and I'll say no more. Don't miss this movie in the theater playing currently in LA. I saw the movie at the premiere and was so happy I went. Don't miss it at Laemmle's NOHO 7. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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