I was surprised by how much I enjoyed watching this movie. Definitely not my normal fare and to be honest I was expecting not to enjoy it. But man I was pleasantly surprised! It's definitely a more subdued film, but these two actors just chew up every scene they're in. It's a really sad and realistic tale of two gambling addicts, they both struggle differently, but ultimately that's what they both are. I was actually thrown off a couple times by thinking that I knew where it was headed or what each persons motivations were, but each time I was off the mark. Both guys aren't the greatest people, they don't make the right choices, and they both have their major issues. And what I find sad but a unique way of ending the movie, was that they both ended the movie pretty much where they started. It's a realistic look at what the cycle of addiction can do. Great movie with great acting! Definitely give it a watch!

If you still haven't seen Mississippi Grind, don't waste your time, the pacing of the movie is extremely slow, the only half interesting part was around an hour and nine minutes into the movie where there was an intense few minute conversation between the two main characters, after that short scene the film instantly becomes boring again.If you want to watch a drama about people with financial problems i recommend "99 Homes" which is much more interesting and the pacing of the film is faster and straight to the point.

Just a few quick points, not a full review. I feel compelled to add my alternate comments as so many reviewers seem to think that this is a "true" or "accurate" portrayal of a compulsive gambler. In my opinion it is not a true or accurate or real life portrayal of the life and luck of a compulsive gambler. Some parts, like any addiction ring true, like searching his ex-wife's sock drawer for a fix of cash for the next gamble. In this single act loosing his self respect and any respect or trust that his ex-wife may have held for him. However, towards the end of the film, in particular, contact with reality and true or accurate real life is lost. Blackjack gambling winning hand after hand after hand is truly the stuff of film fantasy and not what happens in the gritty real life, furthermore the soppy, sugary end to the film is frankly ridiculous and way off kilter to a realistic story. Addictions, of any kind do not end happily. So to conclude, the film is not realistic and cannot be construed or expected to be so, that said, it was a very enjoyable watch and the lead played his part perfectly, well done.

Ben Mendelsohn & Ryan Reynolds in a sleazy gambling movie. Chasing the win that will solve everything. Not glitzy Vegas but drab gambling starting in Iowa & then down the Miss. River. Sometimes in lesser casinos, gambling riverboats and private poker games and once in a while at a track. Ben M. does the heavy lifting acting. All rumpled & down on his luck. Not violent & demented like the Bloodline brother but similar look & bad luck. But R.R. does a damn good job too. Sienna Miller is listed on posters etc b/c she is popular but she's barely in it. These people all have teeth that are too nice for the characters they are playing. I don't think these people are making it in for a 6 month cleaning all that often.