There are many fantastic genres of movie out there. However, nothing compares to films with high stakes, where there are life or death situations and edge of the seat action. Most of us would have sampled a small bit of this excitement at the local casino or even online at the likes of RoyalVegas CA. But the majority of ordinary folk will never have to go through the ordeal that some of these movie characters experience, thank goodness. Hence the reason it is entertainment at its finest, with viewers gripped throughout by the extraordinary situations seen on the screen. There are plenty of films which fit this description, but here are our favourites.
Casino Royale
You could say that all James Bond movies are high stakes, with each mission fraught with danger. However, the high stakes climb a couple of notches in Casino Royale, which hit screens in 2006. In Daniel Craig’s first outing as Bond, he must take down Le Chiffre, one of the most dangerous men on the planet. He’s a terrorist financier, and he’s out to raise more funds for his illicit activities in a game of high-stakes poker. It’s at this moment where Bond steps in, taking on Le Chiffre in the game, and it’s very much a life or death situation.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is an iconic British movie starring the likes of Nick Moran and Jason Statham. The film, directed by Guy Ritchie, sees Nick Moran’s character Eddy convince several of his friends to compete in a high-stakes poker game. They were taking on Hatchet Harry, and as Harry cheats his way to victory, it leaves Eddy and co owing him £500,000. With just seven days to pay up, the foursome are in over their heads, as they aim to raise the money, or, Eddy faces losing his father’s pub.
The Cincinnati Kid
Eric Stoner, played by Steve McQueen, is the Cincinnati Kid. He’s an upcoming poker player with aspirations of being the best, but to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. Lancey Howard, known as The Man, was the top player around and thanks to Stoner’s friend Shooter, a game between the pair is on. Stoner, however, finds out that the match against his rival will be played in his favour, unfairly, and he’s displeased. Stoner, as the Cincinnati Kid, feels he can beat The Man fair and square, in what is a high stakes poker game between two titans.
Layer Cake
Daniel Craig makes a second appearance in this list, but this time he plays a character without a name. Yes, you read that correctly. Craig is a mid-tier cocaine dealer, and while he’s doing very well for himself, he’s keen to leave his criminal life behind. However, you can’t simply walk away from a world such as the one Craig operates in, so, he must complete a couple of jobs before he’s allowed to exit. And, of course, this involves kidnapping, violence and transactions with the criminal underworld. All the previous are high stakes at its finest, but, it’s the double-crossing which has you on the edge of your seat. As Craig doesn’t know who he can trust.