“Molly’s Game” (Biography/Drama: 2 hours, 20 minutes)

Starring: Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba and Kevin Costner

Director: Aaron Sorkin

Rated: R (Profanity, drug content and violence)

Movie Review: Molly Bloom’s book serves as the basis for this screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, who makes his directorial debut. Sorkin has spent his time writing screenplays such as “A Few Good Men” (1992), “Steve Jobs” (2015) television series “The West Wing” (1999-2006). 

“Molly’s Game” has its teleplay moments, but it is a good movie because of a wonderful performance by Jessica Chastain as the title character. 

Molly Bloom (Chastain), was an Olympic-class skier. After a skiing accident, Bloom becomes involved in one of the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker games. She becomes a wealthy person, but it also makes her an FBI target. 

As Bloom and attorney Charlie Jaffey (Idris) put together her case, Molly reevaluates her relationship with her father, Professor Larry Bloom (Costner).

The biographical movie skims through the major events of Bloom’s life. Sorkin allows each event to be interesting. His scenes are intriguing nuggets, although they play like televised segments during some moments. The episodic scenes move quickly and are sensationalized. 

The photoplay moments are long scenes that are more dramatic. Each type has their moments and contributes to the story. However, Sorkin allows for plenty of good movie moments, enough to make “Molly’s Game” a great piece of movie-making

Another reason to see this movie is Chastain. She scores as Bloom. Her scenes are mainly with men and she manages to outshine them all, being a superb lead.

Bloom’s story is good drama. Her story is dynamic. The acting is sound, especially from Chastain. For those who like good drama and poker, “Molly’s Game” is a full house. 

Grade: B (Not a royal flush, but audiences are dealt a good hand.)