Inspired by a true story, Two for the Money is an interesting yet highly flawed film that delves the highs and lows of sports gambling.

Matthew McConaughey stars as Brandon Lang. After sustaining a career ending American Football injury, Brandon succeeds as a sports handicapper, warranting the attention of Walter Abrams (Al Pacino), the owner of America’s largest sports gambling hotline.

Given a whole new name -John Anthony- and look, Brandon reaches unparalleled success in his field. Yet his bloated alter ego take's him into dangerous territory, as he falls under a crippling losing streak and into the hands of his destructive mentor.

Matthew McConaughey is hit and miss. A good actor who can be exceptional at times (as evident in A Time to Kill and Dazed and Confused), McConaughey needs to find a role that can play at his strengths as an actor, and not just as eye-candy with a tendency to take his shirt off. Good for the ladies, bad for the movie.

As expected, Al Pacino succeeds at playing a mentor figure, but it is about time he chose a different path. His recent performances in The Merchant of Venice and Angels in America, displaya talent that is un-surpassed. Yet his recent choice of roles have been questionable at best. But what is certain is his ability to entertain thanks to a charisma that can not be matched.

The movie drags on a bit and does not reach it's full potential. It switches gears way too often, not assuring a good flow in what can be a frustrating viewing experience. This falls on director D.J. Caruso not being able to find the right tone and sticking to it.