Strong writing, directing, acting

Rating: 8/10 (8 January 2018)

The more I watch Jessica Chastain on the screen, the more I am convinced that she is the best actress working today. Her turn in the new Aaron Sorkin vehicle, MOLLY'S GAME adds to this conviction.
Following the real-life exploits of Molly Bloom, who ran one of the biggest underground recurring poker games of all time, Chastain brings to life a well rounded character with a strong backbone and even stronger convictions who, whilst under Federal Investigation, was unwilling to "name names" in order to save herself.
Chastain's performance is spot-on, a brilliant, strong performance that shows the strength (and strength of character) that Bloom possesses but also bringing forth her humanity and human frailty in such a way that creates a real person, and not some Super-Hero caricature. Sparring ably with Chastain is Idris Elba as Bloom's lawyer. I've stated before that I don't really get Elba's rise as a "special" actor. I think he is just "fine", but nothing more. But here he is much, much more than "fine". Dare I say, I think this is the best that Elba has done and I now see the strength of his acting. It is an un-flashy, supportive role that is much, much more than a supporting role and in the hands of a lesser actor, could be forgettable, but in the hands of Elba is certainly NOT forgettable.
Of course, both of these actors are able to shine because of the words that were written in the script by Aaron Sorkin. Not much more praise needs to be heaped upon Sorkin as his writing speaks for itself. I was impressed with the restraint that Sorkin shows in MOLLY'S GAME, he dials back all of his "Sorkin-isms" in this film (I can't remember a single "walk and talk" scene) and let's the story unfold in a natural sense. Part of the restraint has to be given to the Director of this film who eschews flash for substance. Of course, writer Sorkin is helped out by the Director - Aaron Sorkin. He is able to keep the action moving forward and the poker - while an essential part of the story - is not at the forefront, so Sorkin was able to keep the complexity, and intricacies of the game off to the side while focusing on Molly and the effects that her driven nature inevitably has upon her. .
Much more than a "two-hander", Sorkin has delivered a layered, fine film that includes many, many strong actors in small-ish roles - Chris O'Dowd, Jeremy Strong, Graham Greene, Brian D'Arcy James and even Michael Cera(!) all shine - but it is the continued refinement and rejuvenation of Kevin Costner that surprised me here. As Molly's overbearing father, Costner brings the same sense of strength and vulnerability that Chastain brings to the screen - albeit in much, much less screen time. I can see how these two can be father and daughter.
Come Oscar time, I would be very happy to see Chastain listed as a nominee - it is that strong of a performance.
Check out Molly's Game, an intelligent, character based drama with sharp dialogue from one of the best screen writers of our time.
Letter Grade: A-
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)