Gambling City (1975)

- La città gioca d'azzardo
A Bore, 7 August 2005

It's probably unfair, but I can't help but compare Gambling City with Almost Human. Both movies were released at the same time by NoShame Films and I watched them almost back-to-back. Where Almost Human was a thrill a minute sadistic ride into the depravity of man, Gambling City is a dull, lifeless bore.

My problems with Gambling City started almost from the first frame. The music is terrible. The score just never seemed appropriate or fitting to the action on screen. And the music that was played over the love scenes was so syrupy sweet that it's nauseating. It's just plain bad. Another weakness comes shortly after the lead character Luca (Luc Merenda) was introduced. He never comes across as a sympathetic figure. It's really difficult to care for him. One minute he's playing the clown, the next he's a fighter, and the next he's getting the stuffing beaten out of him. And none of it had an effect on me because it's difficult to feel for someone you care so little about.

But the real problem lies in the plot. It's all too predictable. It's way to easy to see the outcome of this movie from a mile away. I defy anyone to watch Gambling City and be genuinely surprised about what happens to Luca and his woman. The complete lack of surprises in the story made the entire film an absolute bore.

With all the negatives, I will admit that the movie looks good. The cinematography, set design, and locations are beautiful. It's too bad that Gambling City isn't as good as it looks – and isn't near as good as Almost Human.

3/10