In the right role, of course, that can be an advantage. In a new trailer for Mississippi Grind, he's teamed with Ben Mendelsohn, who comes across as a Method actor of the most sincere variety. That's quite a contrast: the glamour vs. the grit. They play gamblers in what looks like a two-hander from the makers of Half Nelson, traveling across the Southern United States, cutting cards and making mischief. Here's the official synopsis:
In this lively, freewheeling road movie, Emmy Award nominee Ben Mendelsohn plays Gerry, a talented but down-on-his-luck gambler whose fortunes begins to change when he meets Curtis (Ryan Reynolds), a younger, highly charismatic poker player. The two strike up an immediate friendship and Gerry quickly persuades his new friend to accompany him on a road trip to a legendary high stakes poker game in New Orleans. As they make their way down the Mississippi River, Gerry and Curtis manage to find themselves in just about every bar, racetrack, casino, and pool hall they can find, experiencing both incredible highs and dispiriting lows, but ultimately forging a deep and genuine bond that will stay with them long after their adventure is over.
Anna Fleck and Ryan Boden wrote and directed. The film also stars Sienna Miller, Analeigh Tipton, Robin Weigert, and Alfre Woodard. It's heading to select U.S. theaters on September 25. Ahead of that, it will be available to watch via DirecTV on August 13. You can watch the trailer below.