Anna Daniels
The first time I experienced John Travolta’s performance, he was electrifying—sweaty, captivating, and a true powerhouse in “Saturday Night Fever.” Fast forward to today, and he’s sprinting through a casino in “High Rollers,” yet another direct-to-DVD action movie that’s as appealing as a spoiled banana. It’s a sad reflection on glory, isn’t it?
Let’s be honest: Travolta’s newest effort, “High Rollers,” is the sort of film you might find tucked between “Sharknado 7” and that nondescript Bruce Willis flick that you think you’ve already watched (spoiler: you have, just under a different name). Released on digital platforms and in select theaters by Saban Films on March 14, 2025—with a UK debut on June 16, 2025—this sequel comes on the heels of last year’s “Cash Out,” a title even the most devoted Travolta enthusiasts likely overlooked.
The Storyline: Just One More Heist
In “High Rollers,” Travolta embodies Mason Goddard, a professional crook enjoying the good life—until his arch-rival, Salazar, kidnaps his girlfriend (Gina Gershon, who deserves a better script) and coerces him into a casino caper. The stakes are astronomical. As for the creativity? Let’s just say you’ve encountered this narrative before, only with improved cinematography and fewer blunders.
The setup features a team, a countdown, and the FBI on their tail. And just for kicks, Quavo is thrown into the mix. The banter reads like it was generated by a computer: “We do this, we’re in the clear.” “It’s not about the cash—it’s personal.” You catch my drift.
Travolta: From A-List to B-Movie
This isn’t merely a singular flop—it’s indicative of a troubling trend. A glance at Travolta’s recent filmography resembles a discount bin at Redbox: “Mob Land,” “Paradise City,” “The Poison Rose,” “Trading Paint,” “Speed Kills,” “Gotti,” “I Am Wrath,” “Life on the Line,” “The Forger.” The statistics are dismal: “Mob Land” raked in just £179 in the UK during a limited release. Not a joke. That’s about enough for a casual dinner at Olive Garden.
What gives? There was a flicker of promise in 2016 with “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” where Travolta, portraying Robert Shapiro, reminded us he could still captivate audiences. Even in Ti West’s “In a Valley of Violence,” he showcased some depth. But since then? It’s been a creative drought. Seven years have passed with films that feel like they were whipped up over weekends by producers with more financial backers than innovative ideas.
What Keeps Him Going?
Perhaps it’s the paycheck. Maybe he craves the challenge. Or he could simply enjoy acting. Travolta owns a luxurious mansion in Florida, complete with a private Boeing 737 parked nearby—verified via Google Maps. So, apparently, working on cinematic flops pays well enough. Is there any dignity left in this stage of his career? Possible. Or perhaps it’s merely stagnation.
Is There Any Chance for Redemption?
Rumors suggest that Quentin Tarantino still has an interest in collaborating with Travolta. If “The Movie Critic” ever comes to fruition, perhaps a resurgence is still possible. Until that day arrives, we’re left with “High Rollers”—a film as forgettable as a scratch-off lottery ticket, but sometimes you do strike it lucky. (Not this time around.)
