Las Vegas and other famous gambling cities have been commonplace in movies for decades now. After all, what kind of Western would be complete without a poker scene or two (even if they tended to be quite predictable)? In nearly every card game, you would likely witness someone getting caught trying to cheat their opponent (which would probably lead to some brawl or gun fight). It was either that, or some poker player that owned a significant debt would have to win enough money to pay off that debt. As a result, this would typically transition into a bigger conflict, usually ending in injury or death.
Needless to say, the casino setting certainly seems like a popular catalyst for some suspense, thrill, and action. And if you’re a fellow gambler looking for the same suspense, thrill, and action for your movie marathon, check out these 4 films:
The Haunted Casino
Starring horror icons Michael Berryman and Sid Haig, Charles Band’s The Haunted Casino takes place in a ghoulishly run-down gaming hall, following the ghosts of vicious Las Vegas mobster Roy “The Word” Donahue and Gil Wachetta as they terrorize the hall’s visitors.
Following the death of the casino owner, Matthew Dragna inherits the casino and decides to take his girlfriend, JJ, and his other friends with him to explore the place. However, after discovering that the casino is haunted with angry and lethal ghosts, the guests must find a way to survive through the night.
Leprechaun 3
Even with the “luck of the Irish”, there’s no one in Las Vegas that feels fortunate when the Leprechaun, played by Warwick Davis, pays a visit. As the third film in the franchise, Leprechaun 3 all starts when a pawnbroker purchases a gold medal hanging from a hideous looking statue. Little does the pawnbroker know that the statue is, in fact, the Leprechaun. Once the spelled pendant is removed from the leprechaun’s neck, the Leprechaun is revived and he murders the pawnbroker, immediately setting off in search of his pot of gold.
In the middle of his journey for his treasure, the Leprechaun realizes he left behind his magic coin. However, when he returns back to the shop, he discovers the coin had already been taken by a college student named Scott, played by John Gatins. Soon after discovering who stole his coin, the Leprechaun sets off on an adventure in Sin City to reclaim what is his.
Casino
Originally released in 1995 and directed by Martin Scorsese, Casino is a film that depicts both sides of the city of Las Vegas flawlessly. Centered around the life of a mob-connected casino operator, Sam “Ace” Rothstein attempts to live a normal life in Sin City, but it doesn’t take long for his boyhood friend, Nicky Santoro (played by Joe Pesci), to completely disrupt Sam’s master plan.
While Sam operates the Tangiers casino and falls in love with his future wife, Nicky takes it upon himself to rob and shake down the locals. Joe Pesci’s character even goes as far to take his despicable ways to Sam’s own casino, completely disregarding the rules of blackjack, creating one of the most memorable scenes in the entire movie.
Resident Evil: Extinction
Released in 2007, Resident Evil: Extinction is the third movie in the video game-based series. The movie takes place in an apocalyptic Las Vegas and follows the heroine Alice, as well as other survivors from Raccoon City, as they take down the evil Umbrella Corp and zombie hordes. During their journey to finally end the deadly virus that threatens the existence of humankind, Alice takes advantage of her newly adapted abilities, including superhuman strength, boosted dexterity, and significantly improved senses, to help her and her group survive.
Everyone loves a good horror flick now and then, and what better location for a scare than Sin City itself? So the next time you’re in the mood for a Vegas-inspired horror movie, check out these films and maybe even play some casino games yourself!
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