SmithTower
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January 25th, 2010 at 5:23:48 AM permalink
What are your top five Las Vegas movies?
My list:
Casino
Ocean’s Eleven (Rat Pack)
The Cooler
Vegas Vacation
21
Nareed
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January 25th, 2010 at 7:17:49 AM permalink
I liked the ep of Stargate Atlantis where a Wraith finances a covert op on Earth by playing poker. It's set in alternate universe where John Shepard is a Vegas detective.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
DJTeddyBear
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January 25th, 2010 at 7:42:02 AM permalink
My favorite is Rounders - although this is more of a poker movie than a Vegas movie. Heck, there's only two scenes in a casino, and those are in A.C., not Vegas.

One reason I like it, is because it has the element of realism that the other movies lack.

For example, 21: Call me crazy, but I question some of the REAL things in that movie, and accept some of the things that are admittedly fiction. To be specific, I believe that back room beatings have happened. If not to this group, than to others, but I believe it. What baffles me is, why Vegas? They were from M.I.T. right? Wouldn't A.C. have been more convenient?
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
Mosca
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January 25th, 2010 at 7:47:58 AM permalink
Man, I have to put The Hangover in there.
A falling knife has no handle.
AZDuffman
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January 25th, 2010 at 8:58:50 AM permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBear

My favorite is Rounders - although this is more of a poker movie than a Vegas movie. Heck, there's only two scenes in a casino, and those are in A.C., not Vegas.

One reason I like it, is because it has the element of realism that the other movies lack.



Rounders was great, got me interested in watching then later playing poker, though it was over several years. What makes Rounders great is that it is a poker movie withouyt trying to be a poker movie. Chris Moneymaker himself said he got into poker after watching it.

Then there was the poker boom and Hollywood says, "We need a poker movie!" So they find some crappy scripts, adapt them, then roll them out. Then everyone wonders why they fail.

I saw "21" but was very, very let down. I expected something intelligent like The History Channel show. What I got was someghing that stretched the premise of two books that already took liberties with the truth. But then I am not normal and made a buddy wait while I watched to find the casino advantage as we watched "Casino War" being dealt.........
Last edited by: AZDuffman on Jun 8, 2018
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
Croupier
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January 25th, 2010 at 10:10:06 AM permalink
My top "Vegas" movies, or movies that feature Vegas in some form in no particular order

The Hangover
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Leaving Las Vegas
Casino
Con Air (Tenuous but still a decent film, with terrible geography)
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DJTeddyBear
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January 25th, 2010 at 10:22:41 AM permalink
Duff, you gotta watch the tag syntax when you edit the stuff you're quoting.


Quote: AZDuffman

What makes Rounders great is that it is a poker movie without trying to be a poker movie.

Great analysis. I gotta remember that.


Quote: AZDuffman

I am not normal and made a buddy wait while I watched to find the casino advantage as we watched "Casino War" being dealt.........

While I think it's a stupid although hilarious movie, for a better sample of Casino War, watch the scene in Vegas Vacation where Chevy Chase goes into that 'different' casino. ALL the games there are stupid games, which people assume were made up for the movie. The last game is the old "Guess The Number I'm Thinking" trick. But Casino War is the first game at that casino. I'm pretty sure they played according to casino rules. And it still looked like a stupid game. Kinda tells ya something about Casino War.....
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
AZDuffman
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January 25th, 2010 at 10:35:52 AM permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBear

Duff, you gotta watch the tag syntax when you edit the stuff you're quoting.


Quote: AZDuffman

What makes Rounders great is that it is a poker movie without trying to be a poker movie.

Great analysis. I gotta remember that.


Quote: AZDuffman

I am not normal and made a buddy wait while I watched to find the casino advantage as we watched "Casino War" being dealt.........

While I think it's a stupid although hilarious movie, for a better sample of Casino War, watch the scene in Vegas Vacation where Chevy Chase goes into that 'different' casino. ALL the games there are stupid games, which people assume were made up for the movie. The last game is the old "Guess The Number I'm Thinking" trick. But Casino War is the first game at that casino. I'm pretty sure they played according to casino rules. And it still looked like a stupid game. Kinda tells ya something about Casino War.....



DJ: I know but what is it I need to do on the tag?

I saw the movie and remember that scene. I thought it was made up and would tell people who said it was real "you are confused." Then I was at Wynn a few years back and there it was--Casino War, but no one playing. Saw it in Ontario a few years later.

Yes, silly game. Kid of for people who want to play tables but are afraid of doing it wrong.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
Croupier
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January 25th, 2010 at 10:57:33 AM permalink
I played Casino War last time I was in Vegas. I actually quite enjoyed it, as a lone Englishman, amongst a group of people found good conversation and cameraderie. It helped I also sat down with $20 ($5 table) and walked away with $120.
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Nareed
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January 25th, 2010 at 4:10:44 PM permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBear

While I think it's a stupid although hilarious movie, for a better sample of Casino War, watch the scene in Vegas Vacation where Chevy Chase goes into that 'different' casino. ALL the games there are stupid games, which people assume were made up for the movie.



I remember the scene. I thought at the time the games were children's games.

That's the thing about playing war. I played it when I was a child. It was as though grown-up card games, like poker, canasta, bridge, gin, etc were too complicated for kids, so we were taught a very simple game. I just can't take war seriously as a game adults would bet money on. You might as well play go fish for money.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
Ibeatyouraces
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January 26th, 2010 at 2:41:01 PM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
Wizard
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January 26th, 2010 at 8:18:13 PM permalink
In order...

1. Leaving Las Vegas
2. Stuey
3. The Cooler
4. Honeymoon in Vegas
5. Casino
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
lucky13
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January 27th, 2010 at 9:07:08 PM permalink
I would definitely add "The Hangover" to my list. Really fun movie. Better on the second viewing.
wildqat
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January 27th, 2010 at 9:29:16 PM permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBear

For example, 21: Call me crazy, but I question some of the REAL things in that movie, and accept some of the things that are admittedly fiction. To be specific, I believe that back room beatings have happened. If not to this group, than to others, but I believe it. What baffles me is, why Vegas? They were from M.I.T. right? Wouldn't A.C. have been more convenient?


According to the book (which is more accurate than the movie, but that ain't sayin' much), they played all over the country, so I'd be surprised if they didn't play at least some in Atlantic City.

But hey, Vegas is VEGAS BABY, and let's face it, Hollywood Casino Aurora just ain't that glamorous. :^)
DJTeddyBear
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January 28th, 2010 at 5:06:28 AM permalink
Well THAT makes sense.

And I guess there's only so much you can do in a 2 hour movie....
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
tsmith
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January 28th, 2010 at 5:09:49 AM permalink
Just a comment ... it seems that the movies about people from other places coming to Vegas for vacations are comedies (Honeymoon in Vegas, etc.) and the ones about people who live in Las Vegas are depressing dramas (The Cooler, Leaving Las Vegas).
nyuhoosier
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February 25th, 2010 at 12:01:04 AM permalink
I'm a fan of The Grand starring Woody Harrelson and David Cross. Much of it involves The Plaza, which is hilariously renamed the Rabbit's Foot.
DetroitCobra
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February 25th, 2010 at 9:25:45 AM permalink
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
The Hangover
Casino
Vegas Vacation
luckyjackg
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February 25th, 2010 at 12:32:35 PM permalink
The Cooler
Fever Pitch- Ryan O'Neal
Vegas Vacation
Ocean's 11-Frank Sinatra
Casino
thetone
thetone
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February 25th, 2010 at 2:16:52 PM permalink
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (Johnny Depp)
Leaving Las Vegas
Ocean's 11 (New version)
Swingers – Opening Scene
Rainman - Vegas Scene
teddys
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February 25th, 2010 at 3:26:08 PM permalink
Surprised no one's mentioned the Redford/Moore flick Indecent Proposal which has a great Vegas opening reel and takes place at the Hilton.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
NicksGamingStuff
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February 25th, 2010 at 4:16:17 PM permalink
Does anyone have the soundtrack to the National Lampoons Vegas Vacation? I have been looking on itunes and online for it but cannot seem to find it!
Ayecarumba
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February 25th, 2010 at 5:30:05 PM permalink
Honeymoon In Vegas (James Caan is perfectly over the top)
Diamonds Are Forever (Bond drives a Mustang on two wheels through Downtown)
Casino (De Niro, Scorsese, nuff said)
Vegas Vacation (Vizzini from the Princess Bride (Wallace Shawn) as the smarmy Blackjack dealer)
Rain Man (Oh, to be able to completely track a six deck shoe)
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
pacomartin
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March 29th, 2010 at 12:30:51 PM permalink
Boxofficemojo's Las Vegas Travelogue pictures. Does not include old films before box office was recorded. Does not include Rain Man

Rank Title Studio Lifetime Gross  /Theaters Date
1 The Hangover WB $277,322,503 3,545 5-Jun-2009
2 Ocean's Eleven WB $183,417,150 3,075 7-Dec-2001
3 Ocean's Thirteen WB $117,154,724 3,565 8-Jun-2007
4 21 Sony $81,159,365 2,952 28-Mar-2008
5 What Happens in Vegas Fox $80,277,646 3,255 9-May-2008
6 Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous WB $48,478,006 3,233 24-Mar-2005
7 Casino Uni. $42,512,375 1,631 22-Nov-1995
8 Vegas Vacation WB $36,400,360 2,070 14-Feb-1997
9 Honeymoon in Vegas Col. $35,208,854 1,765 28-Aug-1992
10 Leaving Las Vegas MGM $32,029,928 1,310 27-Oct-1995
11 Fools Rush In Sony $29,481,428 1,701 14-Feb-1997
12 Showgirls MGM $20,350,754 1,388 22-Sep-1995
13 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Uni. $10,680,275 1,130 22-May-1998
14 The Cooler Lions $8,291,572 408 26-Nov-2003
15 Lucky You WB $5,758,950 2,525 4-May-2007
TOTAL (All Movies): $1,008,523,890 - -
AVERAGE (All Movies): $67,234,926 2,237 -


Title Date
Honeymoon in Vegas 28-Aug-1992
Showgirls 22-Sep-1995
Leaving Las Vegas 27-Oct-1995
Casino 22-Nov-1995
Vegas Vacation 14-Feb-1997
Fools Rush In 14-Feb-1997
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 22-May-1998
Ocean's Eleven 7-Dec-2001
The Cooler 26-Nov-2003
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous 24-Mar-2005
Lucky You 4-May-2007
Ocean's Thirteen 8-Jun-2007
21 28-Mar-2008
What Happens in Vegas 9-May-2008
The Hangover 5-Jun-2009
smoothgrh
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June 8th, 2018 at 12:39:39 PM permalink
Nobody has mentioned my favorite: Viva Las Vegas with Elvis Presley and Ann-Margaret!

Elvis drives a race car through downtown! Elvis flies a helicopter over Hoover Dam! Elvis wins big at the craps table!

I also enjoy:
Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery
Mars Attacks!
Ocean's 11 (Frank Sinatra et al)
Diamonds are Forever

Here's my copy of Viva Las Vegas on laserdisc. Yes, laserdisc.

Last edited by: smoothgrh on Jun 8, 2018
Ayecarumba
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September 25th, 2019 at 12:52:41 PM permalink
Quote: smoothgrh

Nobody has mentioned my favorite: Viva Las Vegas with Elvis Presley and Ann-Margaret!

Elvis drives a race car through downtown! Elvis flies a helicopter over Hoover Dam! Elvis wins big at the craps table!

I also enjoy:
Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery
Mars Attacks!
Ocean's 11 (Frank Sinatra et al)
Diamonds are Forever

Here's my copy of Viva Las Vegas on laserdisc. Yes, laserdisc.



I never noticed before that Ann-Margret spells her name with only one "A" and a hyphen.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
Joeman
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September 25th, 2019 at 1:03:17 PM permalink
Quote: smoothgrh

Here's my copy of Viva Las Vegas on laserdisc. Yes, laserdisc.

Wow! Do you still have a functioning LD player? I had a friend in elementary school (mid 80's) that had one. In the early 90's, I had a roommate in college that had one. I'll have to ask him if he's still got it.

Always hated that you'd have to flip the disc over to watch the end of most movies. Always seemed to come in the middle of a good scene.
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
TigerWu
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September 25th, 2019 at 1:34:27 PM permalink
Quote: Ayecarumba


I never noticed before that Ann-Margret spells her name with only one "A" and a hyphen.



Stage name.

Her last name is Olsson.

Quote: Joeman

Wow! Do you still have a functioning LD player? I had a friend in elementary school (mid 80's) that had one. In the early 90's, I had a roommate in college that had one. I'll have to ask him if he's still got it.



Fun facts:

Laserdisc players were being produced up until 2009.

VHS players were made up until 2016.
gordonm888
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September 25th, 2019 at 1:55:22 PM permalink
Honey, I Blew Up the Kid! -the 1992 Rick Moranis movie - actually has some good scenes of the giant baby destroying part of downtown Vegas. Not a great movie, but good scenes of Las Vegas.






Last edited by: gordonm888 on Sep 25, 2019
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
gordonm888
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September 25th, 2019 at 2:36:46 PM permalink
Here's an old one, from 1956: Meet Me in Las Vegas. I believe this photo is from the Sands Hotel.

So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
rxwine
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September 25th, 2019 at 7:18:07 PM permalink
If they added more older movies this would probably be 3 times as long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry17izGkyFQ
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smoothgrh
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September 25th, 2019 at 9:27:46 PM permalink
Quote: Ayecarumba



I never noticed before that Ann-Margret spells her name with only one "A" and a hyphen.



Gah! I've been misspelling Ann-Margret's name all these years! Though I've been correctly punctuating her name.
smoothgrh
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September 25th, 2019 at 9:36:41 PM permalink
Quote: Joeman

Wow! Do you still have a functioning LD player? I had a friend in elementary school (mid 80's) that had one. In the early 90's, I had a roommate in college that had one. I'll have to ask him if he's still got it.

Always hated that you'd have to flip the disc over to watch the end of most movies. Always seemed to come in the middle of a good scene.



Yes! At one point I had two players because my coworker gave me his after DVD players became available. Mine had the feature that plays both sides of the laserdisc without having to take it out of the player. Unfortunately, it died so I'm glad I have a backup.

I sold my Star Wars deluxe trilogy box set mainly because they put a side change at the point between Alderaan exploding and the cut to Obi-Wan clutching his gut. There's a REASON it cuts quickly to Obi-Wan!!! I shouldn't have sold it—it had a lot of bonus material no longer available.

I bought a lot of Disney laserdiscs back in the day because I figured one day I could share them with my future kids—and now I do!
billryan
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September 26th, 2019 at 12:03:00 PM permalink
3,000 Miles to Graceland, and the original Oceans 11!
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
MichaelBluejay
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September 27th, 2019 at 12:47:33 AM permalink
Why no love here for Sharknado: The 4th Awakens ?
I run Easy Vegas ( https://easy.vegas )
DRich
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September 27th, 2019 at 8:20:42 AM permalink
Quote: MichaelBluejay

Why no love here for Sharknado: The 4th Awakens ?



It is probably because of the public disgrace for watching even one Sharknado movie let alone four of them.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
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