Two Powerhouse performers in an averagely filmed story

Rating: 7/10 (5 February 2006)

Thank the Lord for Mr. Al Pacino and Mr. Matthew McConaughey who single handedly save this film from monotony, perhaps even sheer boredom. Two For The Money does take a new twist on the typical sports/football film by looking at from the perspective of the sports bettor and the people that advise the bettors. The film is a little long (as I've been finding with many films lately...maybe I'm getting old) and there are some rather slow points but because of the performances of the two main stars the film is worth watching 100%!!
Pacino plays Walter Abrams, a rather high strung, former everything-a-holic, who is building an empire around sports betting advisory. I really honestly believe this is one of Pacino's best characters. I think his performance as Abrams is Oscar worthy. He's mean and deceitful but human and flawed and you feel sorry for him. He's almost pathetic. Nobody could have done that role more justice, Pacino is brilliant. Matthew McConaughey plays Brandon Lang, a former pro-footballer whose brutal knee injury takes him out of the game. But his love for the game remains and his instinctive ability to know all the teams inside out and backwards makes him a prime candidate for sports betting advisory although he NEVER bets himself. Abrams takes Lange under his wing and immediately begins to build the empire around him. McConaughey plays Lange and his character arc is interesting and he does a great job in an equally award worthy performance (although neither has received any.) The chemistry between the two is spot-on and brilliant and they both do amazingly!! Their scenes together keep the film interesting and watchable. Rene Russo plays Pacino's wife Toni Morrow and although she does an okay job, she's rather disappointing in her role considering the caliber of actress I believe she is. She has no real chemistry with Pacino or McConaughey and she doesn't add much to the cast besides the name.
I think Sports fanatics might really enjoy this film but for me I thought it was alright. It certainly showed a side of the sports world you don't usually see in films but TV director D.J. Caruso should thank his lucky stars for the stars in the film because they make an otherwise average movie into a very interesting and watchable film. Sports fans will love the story, and movie lovers will love Pacino and McConaughey. 7/10