When it comes to heist movies, we've seen it all—from the slick charm of Ocean's Eleven to the gritty tension of Heat. But does High Rollers, the latest from director Randall Emmett (aka Ives), bring anything new to the table? Starring John Travolta as a master thief forced into a dangerous casino heist, the film promises action, drama, and a touch of romance. But does it deliver? Let's break it down.
The Plot:
High Rollers follows Mason Goddard (John Travolta), a thief living the high life with his crew and his love, Decker (Gina Gershon). But when Decker is kidnapped by the ruthless Salazar, Mason is forced to pull off a near-impossible casino heist to save her. Sound familiar? It should. The film feels like a mash-up of Ocean's Eleven and Taken, but without the finesse of either.
The Cast:
Travolta is no stranger to action thrillers, and he brings his signature swagger to the role. Gina Gershon adds a touch of grit, while Lukas Haas and Quavo round out the crew. But let's be honest—this isn't exactly an A-list ensemble. The chemistry feels forced, and the dialogue often falls flat.
The Director:
Randall Emmett, known for low-budget action flicks like Midnight in the Switchgrass and Cash Out, helms this project. While he's clearly aiming for a bigger, bolder film, High Rollers struggles to rise above its B-movie roots. The trailer hints at over-the-top action sequences and cheesy one-liners, but it's hard to tell if the film is in on the joke or taking itself too seriously.
The Trailer:
The official trailer, released by Saban Films, gives us a glimpse of the high-stakes heist, complete with explosions, car chases, and Travolta looking intense. But let's be real—it doesn't exactly scream “must-watch.” The pacing feels off, and the CGI looks, well, questionable.
Release Details:
High Rollers is set to hit select U.S. theaters and VOD on March 14, 2025. Whether it's worth a trip to the theater or a lazy night on the couch remains to be seen.
Conclusion:
High Rollers has all the ingredients of a classic heist film—charismatic lead, high-stakes plot, and a dash of romance. But based on the trailer, it feels more like a knockoff than a standout. Still, if you're a die-hard Travolta fan or just love a good (if predictable) action flick, it might be worth a watch. Just don't expect it to reinvent the wheel.
Personal Impressions:
As a film critic, I'm always rooting for underdog projects to surprise me. But High Rollers feels like a missed opportunity. Travolta's charm can only carry a film so far, and the lackluster script and direction don't do him any favors. That said, there's a certain campy appeal to the film's over-the-top action and melodrama. It's the kind of movie you might enjoy with a group of friends and a bowl of popcorn—just don't take it too seriously.
“Do you think High Rollers has what it takes to stand out in the crowded heist genre, or is it just another forgettable action flick? Let us know your thoughts!”
