Jessica Chastain is ACE in Sorkin's Impressive Directorial Debut!

Rating: 7/10 (1 January 2018)

Oscar-Winning Writer Aaron Sorkin makes his Directorial Debut with 'Molly's Game', a true-story about a Woman who used her mind to bring up the stakes & made it big, despite falling hard eventually. Sorkin keeps the narrative entertaining almost throughout, but its Jessica Chastain who proves to be the real ACE here. Its a superlative performance, that empowers the show!
'Molly's Game' Synopsis: The true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target.
Molly Bloom went from being an Olympic-Class Skier to a Poker magnet. Its interesting to see Chastain embody Molly, starting from scratch to end up being an FBI target, after having made a lot of money. Sorkin's Screenplay is well-done, despite flaws. The narrative is thoroughly watchable & the sequences involving Molly & her Lawyer (Idris Elba, in fine form), stand out due to clever dialogue & also due to Chastain & Elba's winning on-screen chemistry. Having said that, Sorkin's Screenplay isn't always on point. The sub-plot of Molly & her strained relationship with her father (Kevin Costner, terrific in a small role) isn't entirely engaging. Its these bits that appear flabby & take away some glory from 'Molly's Game'. So the Writing goes this way: The rise of Molly is engrossing though, her fall also has winning moments, but the sub-plot is weak, despite the commitment of the actors.
Sorkin, a master at his craft in Writing, however trumps over the flaws & delivers a nicely done Screenplay, that explores a Woman's journey. Sorkin's Direction is pretty good, leaving his mark in his debut. I would like to see Sorkin calling the shots again. Cinematography & Editing are perfect. Art & Costume Design are superb. Daniel Pemberton's Score is well-done.
And now to the ACE - Chastain. In what can be called as her sexiest performance yet, the actress is terrific as Molly Bloom. Portraying a woman who went through emotional turmoil & later hosted the biggest bets in the world of Poker, Chastain is firebrand. She has never looked this gorgeous before & her performance, is all heart & soul. Truly among the strongest performances of the year!
On the whole, 'Molly's Game' isn't perfect, but it has enough merits to earn itself a viewing. Recommended!