A Christmas movie in May that gambles too safe.
A fan of my reviews is sharing my work on her magazine, and is covering a small indie film that co-stars Michael Madsen and Tom Arnold. It’s called “Final Wager,” it’s like a small-time silly version of “The Gambler,” and she asked me to review it.
This would be a gamble for me because I can’t praise every movie that comes out, and unfortunately, I’m mixed about “Final Wager.” It’s a comedy that only has a few laughs and a drama that feels corny, even for a 15-year-old. I’m surprised it didn’t even make it on the Hallmark Channel, but instead YouTube. And since this is supposed to be a Christmas movie, I’m surprised it didn’t get released in November, nor March, because that’s when holiday movies come home on Blu-Ray nowadays.
We meet a former gambling addict named Chance (Scott Hamm Duenas), who has been showing some improvement during his support group meetings, hosted by Ian (Michael Madsen). It’s Christmas Eve, and he plans to propose to his bartender girlfriend Lisa (Fernando Romero) the next day, but his adoptive mother Valerie (Gwendolyn Fuller Mukes) has to leave the nursing facility, run by Gary (Tom Arnold), because she forgot to pay her insurance.
He has until the 26 to patch up her mistake, so he needs a Christmas miracle. According to his gambling history, he’s had a winning streak on Christmas Day since 2014. Never once has he lost on this specific date. So, he must gamble once again with this streak.
His idiotic foster brother Ty (Trevor Penick) serves as his betting agent, but he can’t reactivate his gambling account, unless he can clean the $5000 debt on it. Chance is able to buy himself some time, and he begins winning the holiday bets. Of course, Lisa has a P.I. friend named Stitch (Jennifer Daley), who has to call Chance’s bluff, but he proves her wrong with his Christmas miracle.
And of course, trouble brews on this joyous occasion, and it sure ain’t Krampus. Just some wolf in sheep’s clothing, here in the form of Ian.
Madsen still has the age and tone to keep his attitude in check. He applies those features in his character in “Final Wager,” especially when he has to reveal his true colors to Chance. And Penick has a few tickles, because of how he has to dress for the occasion and how Chance has to criticize him. It’s just funny the way these moments take place.
But most of the movie, from the acting to the cornball plot to the wasted Tom Arnold cameo to the supposedly Christmas miracles, feels like a Christmas in July party that not many people were interested in coming. And it’s May.
I wanted to like this movie because the magazine editor likes my moxie, but I can’t succumb to nepotism. I mean, if someone was covering a Michael Bay movie or a spoof movie with a low budget, they can’t expect me to cover for them. I’m sorry to her, but I really do appreciate her positive comments on my reviews.
I sure hope this small apology letter works.
Streaming on YouTube