Venus and Vegas

Released in late 2010, Venus and Vegas stars Eddie Kaye Thomas, Donald Faison, Eddie Guerra, Jamie Pressly, and Molly Sims. The film is a crime-comedy about three criminal friends (played by Faison, Guerra, and Thomas) who happen upon what appears to be an easy score. Just outside of Vegas there is a warehouse that is producing counterfeit casino chips. The plan is to break in, steal a bunch of chips, and cash them in. Unfortunately, the heist doesn't go exactly as planned and, the warehouse is run by a Vegas mobster. While all this heist plot is going on, the film is also trying to be a relationship comedy. If done better it may have worked but I don't think this movie quite sticks the landing.

 Overall, while not what I'd call a must-see movie, I did find this movie decently  entertaining. The plot is a bit all over the place and the acting isn't great but, it isn't the worst film that I've pulled out of a bargain bin.
2 out of 5

A Look Back At Viva Las Vegas (1964)

Overall, Elvis Presley's movies are hit or miss. This 1964 musical is one of the good ones, maybe even his best.

Elvis plays Lucky, a race car driver (that can also sing, dance, and play the guitar for some reason) who needs a new motor for his car so he can win the big Las Vegas Grand Prix. Opposite Elvis is Ann-Margaret who plays Rusty and she's a lifeguard/dancer/love interest in the film.

The plot is a bit formulaic and predictable. He's interested in her, she initially wants nothing to do with him, there's some singing and dancing, and by the end they're married.
It's not exactly a movie you put on if you feel like watching a psychological thriller.

What it does offer is an enjoyable, lighthearted, musical set in Vegas, and it absolutely delivers. The big race at the end is a ton of fun. There are plenty of good song and dance sequences like the 'The Lady Loves Me' scene around the hotel pool, which is one of the movie's highlights.

It's a good time and an all around solid movie.
I give it a 4 out of 5.


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