7 Days To Vegas

7 Days to Vegas is a comedy romp that was released on September 20, 2019. Directed by Eric Balfour, the film is rooted in true events from the life of one of its chief actors, Vincent Van Patten. Van Patten, a notable former teen heartthrob and pro tennis player, stars as a fictionalized version of himself. The film also showcases the acting talents of Ross McCall, known for his roles in 'Band of Brothers', and Paul Walter Hauser, recognized for his roles in 'I, Tonya' and 'BlackKklansman'.

The story revolves around the unique, risky and sometimes outrageous bets among a circle of professional poker players. It unfolds in the high stakes world of Hollywood, characterized by glamour, dazzle, high risk, and the insatiable thrill of the gamble. Van Patten and his brother James, both of whom were life-long poker enthusiasts, co-wrote the script, injecting a personal authenticity into the interactions and dynamics of the poker-playing circle.

The movie starts with a flashback where we get introduced to Vincent Van Patten’s character as "Duke," an actor who feels disillusioned with his career. Duke's life takes a turn when he stumbles upon the exciting world of underground poker. His natural aptitude for poker soon earns him respect among the poker-playing celebrities, actors, and creatives who thrive in the illicit Hollywood scene.

The allure of the game lies not just in the cards, but also in the quirky bets the group places outside the poker table, turning ordinary scenarios into high-stakes wagers. From predicting the weather to betting on obscure outcomes of random events, the unusual gambles escalate in both stakes and absurdity. These offbeat bets not only highlight the characters' addiction to risk but also their perpetual quest for thrill and adrenaline rush.

The movie hits its stride when Duke comes up with an extravagant bet that he can walk from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, a whopping 280 miles, in just seven days. The lead up to his eventful journey, and the journey itself, forms the crux of the movie. Equipped with an outrageous set of rules and a motley crew of gamblers documenting the trip, Duke’s ambitious trek becomes more than just a physical odyssey, but a test of his tenacity, resilience and cunning as he faces unforeseen challenges and barriers.

7 Days to Vegas captures the world of borderline maniacal gambling and its eccentric practitioners with a fine balance of absurd humor, nuanced human observation, and a strong sense of adventure. The accomplished ensemble cast including Eileen Davidson (The Young and The Restless) and Willie Garson (Sex and The City), who play their parts with equal measures of comic timing and dramatic flair, accentuates the movie. The clever writing successfully brings out the camaraderie among the players, which underpins the wild indulgence in gambling.

Beautifully shot by cinematographer Michael Solidum, the film provides a visually rich rendering of both the glitzy Hollywood scene and the dry desert landscapes that form the backdrop to Duke’s harrowing walk. The excellent combination of sharp dialogues, engaging characterization, and situation comedy ensures that the humor flows naturally and is rooted in the quirks and oddities of the characters, rather than being forced or gratuitous.

7 Days to Vegas is more than another poker or gambling movie. It's a celebration of the human spirit, characterized by ambition, audacity, and the irresistible desire to beat the odds. The movie's charm lies in its ability to make us laugh at the impracticality of the situation while simultaneously engaging us in the inspiring journey of a man who refuses to fold, no matter how high the stakes. Whether you love poker, enjoy comedy, or are a fan of road trip movies, 7 Days to Vegas offers an engaging, entertaining watch with plenty of laughs and a surprising amount of heart.