I thought this documentary, directed by Bryan Storkel, was quite unique. It follows the actions of the blackjack card counting Church Team, from the years 2006-2009. It travels along two separate tracts.
The first tract illustrates how the Church Team became reality, co-founded by Ben and Colin. Convinced that the methodology of blackjack card counting was solid, they decided to make it a serious business. However, they felt most comfortable with only those members who were Christian, had some affiliations with the Church, and had a sincere interest in the enterprise.
There seems to be much rationalization of their endeavors not being contrary to the spirit or doctrine of their religion. Apparently, they feel it's not really gambling since, if applied correctly, the percentages of winning will always be in their favor in the long run. Some members of the team eventually could not reconcile the two and dropped out while others continued on.
One aspect of the film that bothered me was the constant showing of huge wads of hundred dollar bills. Some team members seemed to wallow in the money and foolishly, it seemed to me, even disclosing how much they had hidden in home safes. Others talked about mortgaging their homes and putting every penny they had in the card counting enterprise.
The other tract in the movie was the continual "dance" that goes on between the card counters and the casinos. Although, card counting is not illegal, apparently when spotted by casino management, they have the right to tell the player that they do not want their action anymore. This is called a back-off. The player is asked to leave, but if there is any hassle they may take the player into a back room for some intimidation or on rare occasions an arrest. Apparently, the card counters regard this as part of their job and it happens very frequently. I imagine I could get into a long rant about casino practices and how they want everything all the time in their favor, but I'll save that for another day.
Overall, I found the film to be interesting and unique, and felt it was a decent watch.
The first tract illustrates how the Church Team became reality, co-founded by Ben and Colin. Convinced that the methodology of blackjack card counting was solid, they decided to make it a serious business. However, they felt most comfortable with only those members who were Christian, had some affiliations with the Church, and had a sincere interest in the enterprise.
There seems to be much rationalization of their endeavors not being contrary to the spirit or doctrine of their religion. Apparently, they feel it's not really gambling since, if applied correctly, the percentages of winning will always be in their favor in the long run. Some members of the team eventually could not reconcile the two and dropped out while others continued on.
One aspect of the film that bothered me was the constant showing of huge wads of hundred dollar bills. Some team members seemed to wallow in the money and foolishly, it seemed to me, even disclosing how much they had hidden in home safes. Others talked about mortgaging their homes and putting every penny they had in the card counting enterprise.
The other tract in the movie was the continual "dance" that goes on between the card counters and the casinos. Although, card counting is not illegal, apparently when spotted by casino management, they have the right to tell the player that they do not want their action anymore. This is called a back-off. The player is asked to leave, but if there is any hassle they may take the player into a back room for some intimidation or on rare occasions an arrest. Apparently, the card counters regard this as part of their job and it happens very frequently. I imagine I could get into a long rant about casino practices and how they want everything all the time in their favor, but I'll save that for another day.
Overall, I found the film to be interesting and unique, and felt it was a decent watch.