Brandon (McConaughey) is an ex-footballer with a knack for picking games. Spotted by betting-advisor Walter (Pacino), he’s groomed for the big-time with star-billing on a nationwide cable show. Their arrangement builds beyond mentor/protégée into a father/son relationship, much to the bemusement of Brandon’s de facto mother-in-law, Rene Russo. He had tried to pick her up when they first met.

There’s an echo in both tone and content between this and Paul Newman / Tom Cruise in The Colour of Money. Newman and Pacino are a good match, but, say what you will, Tom has the star wattage Matt can only dream of. It’s clear that Pacino is having a great time and some of that enthusiasm rubs off, but only when he’s on screen, and only for a while. With a runtime exceeding two hours, it’s a big ask of any audience to watch him prop up both story and lead as McConaughey breezes through yet another role without ever making a solid impression. The result is too simple, too easy and way too long.

So with little to offer in terms story or cast, Two for the Money has to be about the ride. Although Caruso has involved himself in some interesting projects (he directed Nick of Time), this is little more than contractual fodder propping up studio schedules. Technically competent, it lacks flair or excitement and after an eleven year hiatus, scriptwriter Dan Gilroy (Chasers) has yet to overcome his writers block with a story bereft of meaningful purpose or moral code. All in all, Two for the Money is about as demanding as riding the teacups at Disneyland.

// COLIN FRASER