Jack Singer (Nicolas Cage) loves his girlfriend Betsy (Sarah Jessica Parker, in her pre-Carrie Bradshaw days), but has no intention of ever getting married. But when he realises that if he doesn’t commit to marriage, he will lose Betsy, he decides that they should go to Las Vegas and get married straight away. However, when they arrive in Vegas, and before they go to get married, they are seen by Tommy Korman (James Caan), a wealthy professional gambler. Korman immediately falls for Betsy, because she reminds him so much of his dead wife. He sets up a rigged poker game with Jack, and when Jack inevitably loses and ends up owing Korman $65,000, which he has no hope of being able to pay, Korman suggests that he gets to spend the weekend with Betsy in lieu of payment. Jack is reluctant and Betsy is furious. However, she agrees to the plan, and even starts to have a good time with Korman. Jack meanwhile is overcome with jealousy and decides to follow the couple…will Betsy fall for Korman’s charms – or will true love conquer all?
I really enjoyed this movie. Sarah Jessica Parker is as endearing and sweet as ever, and Nicolas Cage – not normally an actor I particularly enjoy watching – is perfect in his role. James Caan meanwhile, is suitably devious. There is also a great cast of supporting characters, and while the film never strays far from the main storyline, there are a couple of extremely funny scenes which, while probably not necessary in terms of moving the story forward, certainly added to the laughs.
This film is a romantic, old-school comedy, with some tender moments, and some slapstick moments. In many ways, it had a similar plot to the drama Indecent Proposal, which came out a year later, but this film is far more enjoyable. There are plenty of laugh out loud scenes, and I certainly came away from it with a big smile on my face. Highly recommended!
Year of release: 1992
Director: Andrew Bergman
Writer: Andrew Bergman
Main cast: Nicolas Cage, Sarah Jessica Parker, James Caan
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