Making the right bet on a college basketball team can get you a lot of money. The other side of the coin however, can put you in debt. In the documentary film The Best of It we find that there are smart gamblers and not so smart ones. Director Scott Pearson Eberly puts together a cross section of betters and adds a few odds makers in this enlightening film that reveals the stress and elation of winning. Oh and some dire consequences of losing as well.
Four die hard gamblers Alan “Dink” Denkenson, Alan ‘Boston’ Dvorkis, Ken ‘Shrink’ Weitzner, and Lem Banker are interviewed and followed in a portion of their everyday lives as they talk about how betting affects the personally. Focusing on sports betting, the film delves into each as they show methods, obtaining the odds and other research techniques that are important to coming out with a good income.
“We don’t bet teams, we bet numbers.” “If you treat it like a business, it’ll pay like a business.” “Biggest bettors are the ones using credit. If you lose however, you are already in debt.” The title of the film comes from the phrase “The Best of it” which defined means “in sports betting, any bet where your expected value is positive”.
One of the four, Dink has been gambling for 40 years of his life. He’s still going at it now that he’s in his 60’s and specializes in Hockey. Fascinating and smart, Dink does a lot of research before he plops down a good measure of money on a team. He’s a likable guy who puts in a lot of hours in this trade. Still ahead on his winning, he depends on the help of Mary his assistant. Bruce Willis portrayed him in the film “Lay the Favorite” written by Dink’s former assistant Beth Raymer.
Sticking mainly with College Basketball Boston spends 5 months a year betting on the sport. He’s buried in the challenge of making money on basketball, so much so, he built a house using his winnings just outside of Las Vegas. He’s a much focused person and has little time for anyone except those who feed him the odds.
Shrink feeds his family with winnings from college sports gambling. He can have a one-track-mind like in the case of Old Dominion University who he bet a chunk on them to beat Notre Dame University in the NCAA playoffs. When he wins he celebrates, when he loses he keeps it to himself. His method includes a network of odds makers and bookies. His wife Gayle is a strong supporter of Shrink’s gambling.
Finally Lem Banker rounds out the four men of chance. He’s a sports analyst and gambler focusing on football, basketball and boxing. Lem’s a colorful guy who knows a lot of Hollywood celebrities.
The film plays out getting to know the four intimately and the effect gambling has had on their lives. It gets very intense at times and often lightens up with some welcomed laughter. If you are prone to gambling the film has some very enlightening details that may be helpful or offer a reason not to follow the trade.
The Best of it has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains rude and off color language. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film. The film can be viewed by downloading an HD digital copy from many of the server sites including iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A good in-depth look at gambling through the eyes of real pros. (B)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Alan “Dink” Denkenson, Alan ‘Boston’ Dvorkis, Ken ‘Shrink’ Weitzner, Lem Banker, Larry Merchant, Michael Konik,
Directed By: Scott Pearson Eberly
Genre: Documentary, Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, Contains rude and off color language
Running Time: 1 hr. 58 min.
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Platform: HD Digital Download
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
