Sports gambling is an interesting topic – especially if you can get a great actor like Al Pacino attached to the project – but the new film &#8221Two for the Money“ runs hot and cold. While I did appreciate some elements of the film, it couldn’t overcome a dreadful final act that sinks an otherwise amiable film.

&#8221Money“ stars Matthew McConaughey as Brandon Lang, a former college football star who gets a job at a Las Vegas betting service as a football prognosticator.

Lang is very good at his job and eventually his talents are noticed by Walter Abrams (Pacino). Abrams recruits Lang to come to New York and be part of his high-stakes tout service, with some of the wealthiest clients in the world.

At first, Lang is a big success, but when his ability to pick the winners hits a dry spell, he begins to question his work.

&#8221Two for the Money“ is at its best when the film centers on Abrams showing Lang the ropes in the world of sports gambling. Abrams is a complex and interesting character who has a memorable scene at a gamblers’ anonymous meeting where he delivers a great monologue on how gamblers are the way they are because they need to feel alive.

But the film’s strengths can’t overcome two glaring weaknesses.

It’s a minor gripe, but I was really bothered by the almost generic footage used for the football games, with every game looking like a second-rate XFL production. I realize there was no way the NFL would associate itself with a film that deals with gambling, but it would have been nice if &#8221Money“ had devoted more time to creating some authenticity in its footage.

My biggest problem is with the relationship triangle between Lang, Abrams, and Abrams’ wife Toni (played by Rene Russo). At first, I liked the dynamics in the relationship, but &#8221Money“ takes the cheap way out and builds to a possible tryst between Lang and Toni that just wasn’t necessary.

Fans of sports movies and Pacino will probably still find enough to take a gamble on &#8221Two for the Money.“ Everyone else can just use the two hours to better prepare for this weekend’s three-team parlay wager.

DVD dandy of the week

This week’s dandy is &#8221Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants“ (B-) the adaptation of the popular book that features some beautiful cinematography and solid performances by a talented young cast.

&#8221Pants“ follows four friends during one life-changing summer apart.

Lena (Alexis Bledel) goes to Greece to learn about her family. Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) stays at home and is content with working on her documentary, until she meets a young girl (Jenna Boyd) who changes her outlook on life.

Carmen (America Ferrera) spends the summer with her dad, but is frustrated to learn he has moved on and is about to remarry; Bridget (Blake Lively) heads to soccer camp looking for romance.

Director Ken Kwapis does a decent job of balancing the four plots. Some stories work better than others. I liked Carmen and Tibby’s narratives the most, but all are interesting.

The entire cast does a good job, providing performances that make &#8221Pants“ more than a teen chick flick.

The DVD features a commentary by Kwapis, discussion of selected scenes by the actresses and a rough cut of Tibby’s documentary.

&#8221The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants“ is rated PG for thematic elements, some sensuality and language.

Two for the Money

Starring: Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey

Director: D.J. Caruso

Rating: R for language, a scene sexuality and a violent act

Playing at: Great Escape 12, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)

Grade: C

– Sportswriter/ movie reviewer Micheal Compton has his 100-star, absolute stone-cold, lead-pipe lock pro and college pick of the week. Just e-mail him at mcompton@bgdailynews.com for his selection. Oh, and he’ll talk to you about movies too.