Let It Ride (1989)

One of my all time favorites.

This is an astonishing documentary that will wring your heart while it bends your mind

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Director Jay Pytka delivers the perfect film about gamblers at the racetrack. Pytka carefully constructs the life of Cab Driver Jay Trotter(Richard Dreyfuss) as the down on his luck gambler who just can't get a break. Pam(Terri Garr) the somewhat understanding and tolerant wife is terrific. Dreyfuss plays it to the hilt and it is Academy Award winning material as he captures the downs, mostly, of life as a gambler, who needs that one break to get his life on track(pun intended).Finally, overhearing a tip on a "live" long shot, Dreyfuss heads for the track to try and collect a large bet, and prove to himself, that his life has meaning, and then the action begins.Heartwarming, hilarious, touching, as the film captures almost every character who goes to the track, and the sociology associated with them. From all walks of life people go to the track, it is the ultimate melting pot, where you can wager for or against each other.Like war, this game has significant social meaning, that while you can win, taking the other persons money, while being a better handicapper, is more fun and positive, than destroying them on the battlefield.This film is almost perfect, but still gets a 10 out of 10.Dreyfuss has never been better.

Among all the films made by Richard Dreyfuss who plays Jay Trotter in " Let It Ride " this has got to be the happiest. His best friend Looney, played by David Johansen (Supurb role for him) confides that two men in his taxi cab were caught on tape fixing a race. Although Trotter has promised his wife Pam (Teri Garr) he has given up gambling, he is nevertheless found at the racetrack with what he believes is a sure thing. The trouble is, he learns not only will he having a good day, it will be a day he discovers he can't seem to lose. The winnings begin to double as do his bets, he is even lucky enough to be hit upon by a beautiful and shapely young girl name Vickie (Jennifer Tilly). The film is wonderfully packs with tense events and comedic situations, but is definitely enhanced by the odd characters who surround Trotter. For instance There's Tony Cheeseburger played enjoyably by Richard Dimitri and Robbie Coltrane who is the mystified Ticket Seller. With the majority of the population at the racetrack rooting for Trotter, it's little wonder the audience feels compelled to join in. Easily recommended to all audiences. ****

"let it ride" could haven been a better movie if it had been more realistic, I am not saying a serious movie but without many unrealistic sequences that are a little funny but not intelligent that diminish the category of the movie.I liked the characters, but the performances were over the top. I think with a more serious plot this would have been a much better movie, instead of one of many little feel good movie which we can watch on TV.the plot of the movie is about a gambler who promises his wife giving up gambling in order to return home, but a horse race tip is going to change his mind and he will give one more chance to his luck.

Rarely has a film been released that quickly disappears only to be remembered for being such an underrated gem. The only other movie that had this rare commodity was the Bill Murray directed comedy "Quick Change", also based on a book by Jay Cronley! Richard Dreyfuss plays Jay Trotter a down-on-his-luck cab driver/gambler who promises to his wife that his betting days are over ... that is until he gets a tip from a conversation between two guys in the back of his cab. Non-stop hilarity ensues and there are so many colourful painted over-the-top characters that each and every one steals their scenes with relish. The scenes at the Miami Race Track are excitingly handled, coupled with some very funny encounters between the working class (Dreyfuss) and the rich, stuck-up types that turn their noses up at Jay (especially when he's on his winning streak!!!). If there is one gripe I have - it is a personal one. I have been a fan of this movie since 1990 and would love to get my hands on a soundtrack album featuring all the songs. Sadly I haven't yet found one.