What 2015 action thriller stars Jason Statham as a Las Vegas bodyguard with a gambling problem who seeks revenge after a friend is brutally assaulted by the son of a powerful mob boss?

Wild Card (Review) is indeed the 2015 action thriller starring Jason Statham as Nick Wild, a Las Vegas bodyguard with a serious gambling problem. The film's plot centers on Nick's quest for revenge after his friend, Holly, is brutally assaulted by Danny DeMarco, the son of a powerful mob boss. Nick, known for his unique "chaperone" services and lethal skills, takes it upon himself to deliver justice outside the conventional legal system.

The movie is an adaptation of the 1985 novel "Heat" by acclaimed screenwriter William Goldman, who also penned the screenplay for "Wild Card". Interestingly, this wasn't the first time Goldman's novel was brought to the big screen; a 1986 film adaptation also titled "Heat" starred Burt Reynolds. Director Simon West, known for action films like "Con Air" and "The Mechanic," teamed up with Statham again for this project, with Statham himself reportedly having developed the project over several years due to his fondness for Goldman's book.

While "Wild Card" features Statham's signature action sequences, including inventive fights where he uses everyday objects, the film also delves into the character's internal struggles with his gambling addiction and his desire to escape the confines of Las Vegas. The narrative explores themes of redemption and the seedy underbelly of Sin City, offering a blend of intense action and character-driven drama. Despite a strong supporting cast including Stanley Tucci, Anne Heche, and Sofia Vergara, the film received mixed critical reviews upon its release.