The feel good comedy is a genre often overlooked whether for awards or praise, but this is a mistake, after all it takes a good degree of talent and storytelling nous to ensure that an audience leaves the theatre with a collective smile. There is a common theme to all these films: an underdog comes good. Today's film is Let It Ride.
Jay Trotter, played with a zany charm by Richard Dreyfuss, is a cab driver and compulsive gambler. After reconciling with his wife and agreeing never to gamble again, he hears of a sure thing. A horse that is certain, due to his owners unethical behaviour, to win his next race. Of course, he has to go to the track and place a bet. After all, a sure thing is a sure thing. Of course, the horse wins and Trotter lets it ride, soon finding himself on a winning streak to end all winning streaks. The film is packed with a great cast of n'er do wells and malcontents with a great turn from Robbie Coltrane as the bookie. He steals most of his scenes with Dreyfuss and has some of the film's best lines. Jennifer Tilly is also excellent as a bimbo who makes a habit of saying the first thing that comes into her head.
The film does have a great script, with some very funny one liners, particularly in the interplay between Dreyfuss and Coltrane.
Jay Trotter: May I... buy you a drink?
Mrs. Davis: I don't see why not. I'm on the pill.
The character of Trotter is particularly well drawn, he is like every other relentlessly upbeat gambler that you know. Despite promising his wife not to gamble, you know he will. He can't help himself, all in pursuit of that one perfect day. Sure the film is over the top at times, but it's enjoyable and you grow to like Trotter and want him to win. There is nothing like an underdog and I've never known anyone who doesn't enjoy watching a bookie lose money.
Overall, this is a fine film and you can't help but have a smile on your face at the end. Dreyfuss and Coltrane are excellent and are aided by a fine script. This film is definitely worth a look on a quiet evening.
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