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- Finder’s Fee Involves a Stolen Lottery Ticket
- Finder’s Fee Is Far From a Ryan Reynolds Comedy
As a cinephile with over four decades of watching films under my belt, I must say that Finder’s Fee is a hidden gem that should not be overlooked. This suspenseful thriller from 2001, directed by none other than Jeff Probst (yes, the Survivor host), offers an intriguing plot that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Following nearly a month of screenings across the country, Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” continues to captivate audiences. The duo consisting of Ryan Reynolds’ quick-witted Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s gritty, serious Wolverine has proven to be an ideal pairing for comic book enthusiasts. The numerous cameos and the movie’s impact on the MCU are set to have long-lasting effects. Yet, due to Ryan Reynolds’ growing fame in the superhero world these days, his previous filmography (predating the first “Deadpool” release in 2016) is increasingly overlooked by some fans.
Despite Deadpool’s humorous and popular character in recent films like “Ghosted” (2023) and “IF” (2024), there must be something from his past works that is worth revisiting. How about a suspenseful thriller titled “Finder’s Fee”? In this film, directed by Jeff Probst, Deadpool finds himself in a high-stakes poker game with tragic consequences, leading him to crack a beer bottle on the head of the late James Earl Jones. However, it’s important to note that Deadpool would never resort to such violent actions. “Finder’s Fee” delves deep into the psychological impact of money, luck, and greed when they unexpectedly disrupt an individual’s life, offering a methodical exploration of these themes.
Finder’s Fee Involves a Stolen Lottery Ticket
In the 2001 thriller, Erik Palladino portrays Tepper, an unremarkable guy living a typical life with his girlfriend, Carla. On an ordinary evening, when they host their regular poker night with three friends, Tepper stumbles upon a seemingly insignificant wallet on the street. Upon investigating its owner, he discovers it contains a winning lottery ticket worth six million dollars. The ticket is eventually incorporated into their usual blind ticket game. To make matters more intriguing, the wallet’s owner, Avery Phillips (played by James Earl Jones), unexpectedly shows up at Tepper’s apartment, plays darts, and then joins the poker game, hinting that he suspects Tepper has taken the winning ticket. Needless to say, the tension is palpable in this high-stakes drama.
In terms of atmosphere, Finder’s Fee shares similarities with Alfred Hitchcock films such as Rear Window (1954) and Lifeboat (1994). The movie primarily unfolds in Tepper’s small, dimly lit, and intimate apartment (with a few exceptions at the front door). As friendships among the characters evolve into bitter conflicts within this confined space, it stirs intense emotions in the audience. Initially portrayed as a carefree romantic, Tepper transforms into a man driven by secretive and self-serving motivations once he gets hold of the lottery ticket. The plot thickens when the police impose a lockdown on the building, trapping Tepper within Avery’s group. There is no way out.
Finder’s Fee Is Far From a Ryan Reynolds Comedy
In this film, you might expect a lighthearted vibe given the comedic backgrounds of actors like Matthew Lillard (known for Scooby-Doo), Dash Mihok (Ray Donovan), and Ryan Reynolds, who plays Quigley. However, in Finder’s Fee, these talented individuals demonstrate their versatility by delving deep into the drama/thriller genre. Despite their longstanding friendship, which is marked by banter and teasing without regret, each character also harbors a personal purpose that becomes evident around the poker table. While there’s no Deadpool-style humor in this movie, Ryan Reynolds’ sudden outburst adds an unexpected twist, capturing the audience’s attention.
Examining Lions Gate Entertainment’s film from two decades ago, it’s impossible to draw conclusions without delving into the character played by the late and esteemed James Earl Jones. Initially, Avery may appear to be the odd one among the apartment’s male occupants on that fateful night, given his age and physical condition. However, this doesn’t make him the least astute – quite the contrary; he is, in fact, the shrewdest of them all.
Jones masterfully portrays a tough New York character convincingly. He skillfully mixes subtle physical gestures that soften the character’s intensity with a commanding tone when the scene requires it. The audience can sense that regardless of what transpires during the game, his character will penetrate Tepper’s mind swiftly. While Avery manages to accomplish this, the movie’s multiple unexpected turns will leave you pondering long after it ends. It’s safe to say that none of the characters are as they seem. Finder’s Fee can be rented on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.
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2024-09-11 23:31