Editorial Reviews

Right at the outset, there's something vaguely familiar about Two for the Money. We meet a charismatic, hard-charging professional (Al Pacino), who persuades a much younger, ambitious, and talented man (Matthew McConaughey) to work for him. Seduced by power and money, the once-idealistic small-town boy gradually loses his moral bearings and faces a crisis of conscience. Oh, yeah, now we remember: 1997's The Devil's Advocate, which featured Pacino as the an über-laywer who recruits young hotshot Keanu Reeves into the service of...Satan! But there's nothing occult or supernatural about Money, unless you count the preternatural ability of McConaughey's character to pick the winners in any given sporting event. This peculiar, instinctual talent makes him a hot commodity as a handicapper for Pacino's sports-betting firm, a high-profile concern that has its own TV show and a client roster that includes billionaires and working stiffs alike. Both films share the same central dilemma but have markedly different outcomes. Director D. J. Caruso (Taking Lives) keeps the story on track with few detours, his primary challenge being to hold his frequently over-the-top star in check -- which he does quite well. Pacino brings his customary flamboyance to the role without engaging in too much scenery chewing. Rene Russo portrays his loyal and intelligent wife with considerable panache, making the best of an underwritten part. It's not terribly difficult, given the setup, to figure out where Money will go or how long it'll take to get there. But we're betting -- and giving odds -- that you'll enjoy the ride. Ed Hulse, Barnes & Noble