Gutshot Straight is the latest crime thriller, about a down on his luck gambler, Jack Daniel (played by George Eads). When a mysterious stranger appears one night, Jack becomes trapped in underworld dealings with the shadowy high roller, Duffy.
Just don’t get fooled by the ads, which make Steven Seagal look like a leading star. Seagal’s role is relatively minor compared to other cast members such as George Eads (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Ted Levine (The Silence of the Lambs), Stephen Lang (Tombstone) and AnnaLynne McCord (Excision). However, all of the characters contribute to a film that’s well worth seeing (in spite of Seagal’s rather insignificant role).
The story begins to unfold in a somewhat ordinary way and takes place over a period of days. It centres on the low-life gambler, Jack, who just happens to be drawn to the dodgy side of life. Both Eads and director, Justin Steele commented on how much they enjoyed making the movie.
It hands over the same kind of suspense found playing in the clandestine world of poker cons. Steele commented, “It was a great experience… very tough. We had a big cast and we were in Vegas during the hottest time of the summer, and it was challenging but it was exciting. It was a fun ride, it was a great experience.”
Steven Seagal co-stars as Paulie Trunks, a thick-bellied fellow gambler. The movie was expected to come out in early September. However, it is now scheduled for release in December 2014. As mentioned, it stars George Eads (CSI) as Jack Daniel, a pro-poker player who accepts a deal from the mysterious Duffy (played by Steven Lang). The story becomes extremely complicated when Jack has to outsmart Duffy.
He’s forced to protect himself and his family in this high-stakes game that goes far beyond the casino. Down on his luck, Jack quickly regrets making a deal with Duffy. Their meeting soon turns into a game of survival, one that he must play out in order for Jack to survive.
George Eads does a great job of combining acting with his executive production debut. After playing played Nick Stokes in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Las Vegas) for the past thirteen years, he’s ready for this featured role in “Gutshot Straight.”
Familiar with living on the edge, his character, Jack Daniel, is well aware of the seedier side of Las Vegas action. Jack’s MO includes riding through the streets of the city in his rundown car while scrapping by on bets and loans. He’s a regular amongst the gambling scene, both in casinos and online poker tournaments.
Jack has also earned a reputation as a conniver who knows the ins and outs of the shadier side of the business. Denied a bank loan, Jack’s encounter leads to a lot more than he bargains for. With the welfare of his daughter and wife a big concern, he begins a journey with stakes much higher than what he would expect to find at the card table.
Although Jack is down on his luck, you can’t help but like Eads’ character. With all its twists and turns, ‘Gutshot Straight’ takes you right into the heart of the action.