"I think Barry went there last night and I think he won some money." When Desson (Johnston - who looks just like a young Tom Cruise) finds his best friend Barry hanging by a rope in his garage he is stunned. Desson remembers debts that Barry owed and begins to think that his friend didn't kill himself but was murdered and has a few suspects in mind. He joins in an underground poker game to try and flush out the murderer. This is a movie that had a really good premise and I had pretty high expectations for it. I know it was another B movie but I was actually interested in seeing how they pulled it off. The first half hour was pretty entertaining but then it slowly started to drag and was hard to stay interested in toward the end. The idea and plot is almost nothing like what I expected. The general idea was there but I was expecting something different then what this was. I know it seems like I'm repeating myself but I was really disappointed by this movie. Overall, it was OK but I was expecting more of a thriller mystery I guess. I give it a B-.
10 Reviews
Like a really intense 'Degrassi' episode
Shattered_Wake12 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I'm always a fan of any movies about gambling, so I was quick to check out 'The Odds.' I was hoping for something along the lines of 'Rounders' or 'Boiler Room,' or at least that kind of tone. I knew it wouldn't be of equal quality judging by the trailer, budget, and cast. However, low-budget elements don't always mean low quality.
The story focuses on teenage gamblers & friends Desson (Tyler Johnston) and Barry (Calum Worthy). After losing a bet on a shady wrestling match, Barry decides to take out his frustration on the hulking wrestler who threw the match. Desson steps in to stop the fight, but they end up getting in trouble anyway. Soon after, Desson discovers the dead body of Barry hanging in his garage. Refusing to believe it was a suicide, Desson begins to investigate the death, thinking it was a murder connected to the world of illegal gambling they lived in.
The first thing viewers should know before they check out this movie is simple: It's Canadian. That's not to make you consider its quality or anything, but just know that it's written by Canadians and starring Canadians. I didn't know that for the first twenty or so minutes of the flick; so, when I saw people writing their money as "20$" and talking about senior year as "grade twelve," I found it a little weird. Also, there's that level of "purity" that most Canadian movies have versus American ones, even when they're about illegal gambling rings and teenage murder. Everyone's just about one level nicer than they should be (like calling a guy a "putz" when he insults your breast size, for example).
Regarding the technical aspects, the most important for a film like this is the script. Specifically, the realism of the gambling. Why? Because the most devoted target audience for a film like this will be those who are involved in the world of gambling. As someone who used to sneak into seedy underground poker games as a teen, I know what the world is really like. I know how the games go, I know how the people are, etc. For that, the film isn't too bad. It's definitely better than some, but it really shows the inexperience and poor decision- making that a lot of young gamblers have. The one characteristic that really was accurate: Young gamblers often screw up when cute girls are involved. The true gambler still keeps his head even when there's a woman involved. Unfortunately, one element of the script that really failed was the dialogue. There were multiple times that dialogue was repeated awkwardly in the same scene. Maybe that's how Canadian kids talk, but I've ever heard it like that on Degrassi (my only real experience with Canadian youth).
Other than the writing, the film isn't actually that bad on a technical level. The acting had some good elements, namely Tyler Johnston as Desson who looked like a nerdy version of a young Tom Cruise, and some bad elements. Luckily, writer/director Simon Davidson seemed to notice his weaknesses in the cast and the less talented actors had very little screen time.
As an overall film, even with the few benefits it has, it really never rises above mediocre. Frankly, the main issue is that it doesn't get involved enough with the gambling aspect. It doesn't really show the stressful situations that that kind of life shows. While it could have been 'Brick' meets 'Rounders,' it ended up being more just an intense episode of 'Degrassi.'
Final Verdict: 6/10.
-AP3-
The story focuses on teenage gamblers & friends Desson (Tyler Johnston) and Barry (Calum Worthy). After losing a bet on a shady wrestling match, Barry decides to take out his frustration on the hulking wrestler who threw the match. Desson steps in to stop the fight, but they end up getting in trouble anyway. Soon after, Desson discovers the dead body of Barry hanging in his garage. Refusing to believe it was a suicide, Desson begins to investigate the death, thinking it was a murder connected to the world of illegal gambling they lived in.
The first thing viewers should know before they check out this movie is simple: It's Canadian. That's not to make you consider its quality or anything, but just know that it's written by Canadians and starring Canadians. I didn't know that for the first twenty or so minutes of the flick; so, when I saw people writing their money as "20$" and talking about senior year as "grade twelve," I found it a little weird. Also, there's that level of "purity" that most Canadian movies have versus American ones, even when they're about illegal gambling rings and teenage murder. Everyone's just about one level nicer than they should be (like calling a guy a "putz" when he insults your breast size, for example).
Regarding the technical aspects, the most important for a film like this is the script. Specifically, the realism of the gambling. Why? Because the most devoted target audience for a film like this will be those who are involved in the world of gambling. As someone who used to sneak into seedy underground poker games as a teen, I know what the world is really like. I know how the games go, I know how the people are, etc. For that, the film isn't too bad. It's definitely better than some, but it really shows the inexperience and poor decision- making that a lot of young gamblers have. The one characteristic that really was accurate: Young gamblers often screw up when cute girls are involved. The true gambler still keeps his head even when there's a woman involved. Unfortunately, one element of the script that really failed was the dialogue. There were multiple times that dialogue was repeated awkwardly in the same scene. Maybe that's how Canadian kids talk, but I've ever heard it like that on Degrassi (my only real experience with Canadian youth).
Other than the writing, the film isn't actually that bad on a technical level. The acting had some good elements, namely Tyler Johnston as Desson who looked like a nerdy version of a young Tom Cruise, and some bad elements. Luckily, writer/director Simon Davidson seemed to notice his weaknesses in the cast and the less talented actors had very little screen time.
As an overall film, even with the few benefits it has, it really never rises above mediocre. Frankly, the main issue is that it doesn't get involved enough with the gambling aspect. It doesn't really show the stressful situations that that kind of life shows. While it could have been 'Brick' meets 'Rounders,' it ended up being more just an intense episode of 'Degrassi.'
Final Verdict: 6/10.
-AP3-
Cute faces. No substance
TheKing23 December 2022
Cute male and female actors in a tangle of loyal and amd nor reliable conduct.pretty male and female faces. But all in all not a very believable construct. A better director would make a twin peaks out of this, but now it's only eye candy. Very pleasing eye candy. Sweet eyes Cathan Hawkes and Megan Tween are doing there's utmost and dirctor Simon Davidson deserves an /oscar. There's never a dull moment in this flick and the 172 charcter limit is doing it a disservice. Amazon is jerking its employees and nobody cares. The just squeezing juice out of yje to let Bezos get in outer space. How sick can you get.
the movie was ruined by many production flaws
rightwingisevil19 October 2012
there were high school underground gambling in this film, but what we saw was not quite convincingly realistic enough. what we saw were texting bets, basement gambling scenes, but we never saw any paper money changed hands only chips and betting amount. where was the money? we never saw anything tangible only hollow words and look-like gambling scenes. how that moronic kid would have the credit to lose 2 large? if this kid was always with the main character kid, how come the latter never knew? and how come a high school kid would lose his life over only 2 large gambling debt? this kid was driving a mini cooper, dude? a car at least worth as high as thirty thousand dollars. there's not enough logic to such murder. there were so many unconvincing scenarios and plot twists in this movie that simply won't add up. besides, what a lousy movie could have such a loud sound track music that was so loud that blocked all the dialog? the music was just so stupidly loud and if i were a 'lips reader', i might understood what those characters were talking about, but sadly i am not. what a stupid sound track messed-up during the post production!!!!
dark teen gambling movie
SnoopyStyle18 July 2015
Desson Orr (Tyler Johnston) and Barry Lipke (Calum Worthy) are gambling in school. Barry gets into a fight with Sam Cartier when the wrestler throws a match. Desson is moving out and his father is selling the house. He gets detention with Colleen Calloway (Julia Maxwell) and brings her to a gambling party hosted by Paul Morrow. Paul threatens Barry who owes him money. The next day, Desson finds Barry in an apparent suicide. Desson tries to find the truth of his death by questioning Benson.
This movie depends heavily on writer/director Simon Davidson. While the writing has some interesting darkness, the directions are unimaginative. This should be a movie of dark intensity but it meanders too much. I like the intentions of a dark gritty movie about teen gambling. It doesn't executes very well.
This movie depends heavily on writer/director Simon Davidson. While the writing has some interesting darkness, the directions are unimaginative. This should be a movie of dark intensity but it meanders too much. I like the intentions of a dark gritty movie about teen gambling. It doesn't executes very well.
The Odds are Dark in High School
carolbielbs12 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The Odds has an interesting take on high school students living a double life in a secret, dark gambling world. It starts off with the main characters texting bets to underage bookie Paul (Jaren Brandt Bartlett) on their high school wrestling championships.The depths of character development really added to the plot of the death of Barry over the greed that goes hand in hand into the gambling world (such as the Death of the main characters mother, the evidence that slowly creeps up over Barry, and the main characters father's struggle with his career and grieving over his wife). Davidson possesses a keen eye for filmmaking, instinctively knowing how to build tension without a great deal of unnecessary stylization and filler material. This movie touches on a lot of demographics because of these deeper character profiles and the ending of the long spider-web like connections that developed because of this secret gambling society that made perfect sense at the end of the movie. I loved that this was a Canadian movie also!
Realistic
dougsetter-7292223 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the story line, the dialogue, the concept and the ending. The movie is about teenagers involved with gambling. They make it look so cool, but each has their own weaknesses and the story comes together showing just how dirty the world of gambling and gambling addictions can be. Great movie.
The Odds
mnhc4 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Tyler Johnston's character deals with the suicide of his friend Barry (Calum Worthy) in the first act, but refuses to believe it; and instead comes to the conclusion he must have won big from the wrong people. Luckily, the chemistry with these characters carries you through the rest of the movie superbly, as it casts notable actors with up-and-coming talent. The action sequences and dialogue are enough to keep you intrigued throughout the movie. The great thing about it is once you get attached to a character, or think you have them figured out; you turn out to be completely wrong, which is something I love in a film. Definitely worth taking a chance on.
subtle, intelligent and unpredictable
myriamlenys23 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Once I had the pleasure of speaking to a gentleman who taught young people circus skills, especially with regard to the trapeze. He mentioned that there was a certain stage in the training when all pupils needed extra support and supervision. Asked why, he replied : "That's when people know enough to get themselves in really deep, dangerous trouble, but not enough to extract themselves from that trouble". Now this remark applies also, in a more general sense, to a phase in human life, let us say late adolescence and early adulthood.
"The odds" is a mystery (and a good, nicely unpredictable mystery at that) but it is also a psychological portrait of a group of adolescents helplessly adrift in a sea of trouble, most of it of their own making. It also illustrates, masterfully, how people in difficulty have a sad habit of spreading their problems around ; it is a phenomenon often seen in addiction and crime, where drug users become drug sellers and prostitutes become madams. "Misery loves company" - indeed.
"The odds" boasts excellent performances, most notably from protagonist Tyler Johnston, who is wonderfully convincing as a messed-up ball of insecurity, resolve, dishonesty and remorse.
This, for clarity's sake, is not a happy and jolly viewing experience. But it is a very rewarding one.
"The odds" is a mystery (and a good, nicely unpredictable mystery at that) but it is also a psychological portrait of a group of adolescents helplessly adrift in a sea of trouble, most of it of their own making. It also illustrates, masterfully, how people in difficulty have a sad habit of spreading their problems around ; it is a phenomenon often seen in addiction and crime, where drug users become drug sellers and prostitutes become madams. "Misery loves company" - indeed.
"The odds" boasts excellent performances, most notably from protagonist Tyler Johnston, who is wonderfully convincing as a messed-up ball of insecurity, resolve, dishonesty and remorse.
This, for clarity's sake, is not a happy and jolly viewing experience. But it is a very rewarding one.
Pretty good mystery
vchimpanzee6 September 2015
It's a somewhat interesting mystery. Nothing outstanding or above the level of a TV-movie, but still enjoyable.
There is occasional humor, much of it provided by Hrothgar Mathews as the sarcastic Coach Fortier.
And among actors with more lines than the coach had, to me, Julia Maxwell stands out from the rest of the cast. She's not only great looking but has a nice if edgy personality and brains.
Tyler Johnston is pretty good too in the lead role.
Other worthwhile performances come from Jaren Brandt Bartlett as the young man who lets people gamble, Robert Moloney as Desson's father (especially when stoned), and Scott Patey and the somewhat nerdy Benson who likes to take risks.
The sound went out a lot during this movie. Usually, this was accompanied by a character's mouth being obscured. So if you see this unedited, you have been warned. There is also some violence but not too much.
It's a worthwhile effort, just nothing you haven't seen before.
There is occasional humor, much of it provided by Hrothgar Mathews as the sarcastic Coach Fortier.
And among actors with more lines than the coach had, to me, Julia Maxwell stands out from the rest of the cast. She's not only great looking but has a nice if edgy personality and brains.
Tyler Johnston is pretty good too in the lead role.
Other worthwhile performances come from Jaren Brandt Bartlett as the young man who lets people gamble, Robert Moloney as Desson's father (especially when stoned), and Scott Patey and the somewhat nerdy Benson who likes to take risks.
The sound went out a lot during this movie. Usually, this was accompanied by a character's mouth being obscured. So if you see this unedited, you have been warned. There is also some violence but not too much.
It's a worthwhile effort, just nothing you haven't seen before.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
