SPOTLIGHT ON GAMBLING PROJECTS: HBO'S "LUCK" WITH DUSTIN HOFFMAN, "LAY THE FAVORITE" WITH BRUCE WILLIS AND CATHERINE ZETA JONES

All of you who love casino movies and films on gambling will probably enjoy the fact that a bunch of films and new TV series with that setting are coming to us in the near future. Check out some of them:

DUSTIN HAS "LUCK"

Ready to premiere January 29th at HBO is the horse racing series LUCK which will offer a behind-the-track look at the world of horse racing and gambling denizens - owners, trainers, jockeys and gamblers. The story will be spread in nine episodes, and coming from acclaimed director Michael Mann and DEADWOOD creator David Milch,  LUCK will take a provocative look at the world of horse racing - the owners, gamblers, jockeys and diverse gaming industry players.  It is interesting that the cast uses another trend in TV - having film stars as the leads in TV programmes - so the ensemble includes film stars Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte beside Dennis Farina, John Ortiz, Richard Kind, Ian Hart...

"LAY THE FAVORITE"

When it comes to cinemas, one of the films which will be set in the world of casinos, betting, gambling and roulette is LAY THE FAVOURITE a dramedy centered on a thirty something woman who

becomes involved with a group of geeky fiftyish men who have found a way to work the sportsbook system in Las Vegas to their advantage. The interesting part of this film is its stellar cast which includes Bruce Willis, Catherina Zeta Jones as his wife Tulip, Vince Vaughn

(who was cast after pop star Justin Timberlake opted to leave the project), and young stars Joshua Jackson, Laura Prepon and Rebecca Hall. Another good thing is that the film is being directed by always amazing Stephen Frears (whom we love heaps - THE QUEEN, CHERI, DANGEROUS LIAISONS, MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS).