The movie follows Brandon Lang (played by Matthew McConaughey), a former college football star whose career ended due to an injury. Brandon has a remarkable talent for predicting sports outcomes and catches the attention of Walter Abrams (played by Al Pacino), a successful sports betting mogul who runs a high-stakes gambling advisory service.
Under Walter’s guidance, Brandon becomes a highly successful sports handicapper, earning large sums of money for both himself and Walter’s company. Brandon adopts the persona of “John Anthony” and becomes a celebrity in the sports betting world, hosting a popular television show and enjoying a lavish lifestyle.
As Brandon’s success grows, he becomes increasingly confident and arrogant, alienating his girlfriend, Toni (played by Rene Russo), and distancing himself from his family. He also develops a contentious relationship with Walter, who sees Brandon as both a protege and a threat to his own authority.
However, Brandon’s winning streak comes to an abrupt end when he suffers a series of losses, causing his reputation and financial stability to crumble. Desperate to regain his former glory, Brandon resorts to risky and unethical tactics, including insider trading and manipulating his clients.
In the climax of the film, Brandon’s actions catch up with him, leading to legal troubles and personal turmoil. He is forced to confront the consequences of his choices and reconcile with the people he has hurt, including Walter and Toni.
In the end, Brandon learns valuable lessons about integrity, humility, and the dangers of greed and hubris. He chooses to leave the world of sports betting behind and focus on rebuilding his life and relationships, realizing that true success cannot be measured solely by financial gain.
Overall, “Two for the Money” offers a gripping and cautionary tale about the seductive allure of wealth and fame, as well as the importance of staying true to oneself and one’s principles in the face of temptation and adversity.