I’ve been to Las Vegas three times since Christmas. I know exactly what you’re thinking. Three trips to Vegas in five weeks!? IsMichael is one of those high rollers you see in the movies, the kind of dude who bets the GDP of Kyrgyzstan on the spin of the roulette wheel, wins big, goes on a three-day heater, then loses it all on a proposition bet involving a ramen eating contest and the cast of the Thunder From Down Under? Well, I’m not that guy, although I could go for some top-shelf ramen. Truth is, I go to Vegas for two reasons. First, my mom lives there. Second, Vegas is aces for stories (see Observe & Retort and Sicario Bingo: Ride Share Edition). Of course, I’m not the only writer who has found story gold in Las Vegas. One of my favorite movies set in Las Vegas is Ocean’s 11 (the remake with George Clooney and Brad Pitt). But I’m curious: what’s your favorite story set in Las Vegas?
Share your favorite Vegasmovie, book, or television show in the comments👇
The shows that come to mind are Hacks and the final season of GLOW, both of which peel back the mystique of Vegas to show the funny, weird, and sad realities of living there.
I'm liking Hacks so far. Yeah, I miss GLOW, too. As I understand it, the show was renewed for another season, the pandemic hit, which delayed shooting, and in the delay Netflix decided to cancel it. (I imagine the delays were costing them money somehow.)
I am a big fan of Ocean’s Eleven, and I did watch CSI. But generally speaking, Vegas doesn’t really enter my pop culture brain very often.
Honestly, I think more of the times I’ve visited Vegas. I thought I would hate it because I don’t like to gamble, but there’s so much else going on. Everything is so over the top that it can’t help being exciting. I love the fact that you can go into a casino in the middle of the night (great for night owls!), that there are some amazing buffets, how public drunkenness isn’t really frowned upon (I went with a guy who bought us these big frozen drinks and we carried them everywhere), and the overall sense of fun and excess. I went to Circus Circus and a Penn and Teller show and stayed at Paris with the fake Eiffel tower. I mean, it’s just fun even if you don’t have much money and you gamble all of 20 bucks.
did he have a normal voice? Or, was it super deep, or high-pitched? What kind of accent? Seriously, I've seen that guy so much, and yet he's a total mystery.
I grew up in Las Vegas, and my mom still lives there. When I was a kid and followed my dad around to his gigs (he was a musician), he used to take me to the sets of movies and TV shows that were being filmed in Vegas. I've been on the set of Charlies Angels and Fantasy Island, and I met a bunch of famous folk. But to answer your question about my fav Vegas-based show, it has to be the aptly named Vegas, with Robert Urich playing Dan Tanna. I used to love finding the mistakes in the edits when Dan would be traveling down LV Blvd and turn onto a street that was nowhere near LV Blvd. It was like finding Easter eggs.
Casino is a classic! Surprised more people haven't mentioned that one. Haven't seen Vega$. Thanks for adding the entertainer. Plus one for that and plus one because it's Dean Martin!
I'm not sure I have a favorite story in Vegas. The one that immediately comes to mind is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but I'm not sure if I liked it at the time so much as was morbidly curiously about how someone could intentionally consume paregoric.
Haha, yeah I was gonna go with a different question, but our exchange about Vegas inspired this one instead. Also, glad to see another vote for Fear & Loathing. I do love that movie, but for my money, the book is really where it's at.
To be honest, the only thing that I've seen that's completly set in Vagas is CSI, but partly Percy Jackson: Lightning theif (both book and musical; don't bother with the movie)
It’s been years since I’ve seen it, but gotta drop Martin Scorsese’s ‘Casino’ here. Also, ‘Swingers,’ but it’s been even longer since I’ve seen that. This is making me realize I need to do some revisits!
You should absolutely revisit both movies! And remember, Swingers has a fantastic homage to another Scorsese film, Goodfellas, although that scene takes place back in LA.
OCEAN'S 11 definitely captures the "Vegas vibes" the most for me. But for pure enjoyment, I do love THE HANGOVER. And I'll give an honorable mention to FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS.
The Hangover is endlessly entertaining. Love the way they use the structure of a detective story (where's Doug, what happened to him??) to take us on a wild ride through the fun & games of Vegas! Fear & Loathing absolutely deserves an honorable mention just for the trippy scene at Circus Circus!
Feb 2, 2022·edited Feb 2, 2022Liked by Michael Estrin
Let's be honest: you are totally the guy who would place a proposition bet that involved a Ramen-eating contest with the cast of the Thunder Down Under - if only for the story fodder.
I, too, am a sucker for any heist movie (in Vegas or elsewhere), especially the first Ocean's flick. But my most memorable Vegas moment is quite a story in and of itself - starting with the time-share preso that got me there (delivered by the twin brother of Bronson Pinchot) and including a visit to the Neon Museum and a tour through the neighborhoods that stand in sharp contrast to the glitz of the Strip.
OK, you got me! I am that guy. But I didn't just do it for the story. I did it because those Thunder Down Under guys looked like the needed some carbs. Also, I need to hear more about Bronson Pinchot's twin!
Such a great movie! Dark, but really wonderful. And a great example of what a great actor Nicolas Cage is. Sure, he does a lot of silly, popcorn stuff. But when it comes to dramas, that guy really brings it!
The shows that come to mind are Hacks and the final season of GLOW, both of which peel back the mystique of Vegas to show the funny, weird, and sad realities of living there.
I need to see Hacks! I've heard really good things. As for GLOW, I miss GLOW. Why did it have to go? Why!?
I'm liking Hacks so far. Yeah, I miss GLOW, too. As I understand it, the show was renewed for another season, the pandemic hit, which delayed shooting, and in the delay Netflix decided to cancel it. (I imagine the delays were costing them money somehow.)
I am a big fan of Ocean’s Eleven, and I did watch CSI. But generally speaking, Vegas doesn’t really enter my pop culture brain very often.
Honestly, I think more of the times I’ve visited Vegas. I thought I would hate it because I don’t like to gamble, but there’s so much else going on. Everything is so over the top that it can’t help being exciting. I love the fact that you can go into a casino in the middle of the night (great for night owls!), that there are some amazing buffets, how public drunkenness isn’t really frowned upon (I went with a guy who bought us these big frozen drinks and we carried them everywhere), and the overall sense of fun and excess. I went to Circus Circus and a Penn and Teller show and stayed at Paris with the fake Eiffel tower. I mean, it’s just fun even if you don’t have much money and you gamble all of 20 bucks.
Very true, this a lot going on Vegas that doesn't involve gambling! I actually got to see Penn and Teller about four years ago. Loved their show!
The best part is that they hang out and meet their fans after each show – and they both talk!
Hearing Teller talk must be kind of a mind-bender :)
Oh yes!
did he have a normal voice? Or, was it super deep, or high-pitched? What kind of accent? Seriously, I've seen that guy so much, and yet he's a total mystery.
I think it was pretty normal, but this happened in like 2006 or 2007 so it's hard to recall for sure.
I grew up in Las Vegas, and my mom still lives there. When I was a kid and followed my dad around to his gigs (he was a musician), he used to take me to the sets of movies and TV shows that were being filmed in Vegas. I've been on the set of Charlies Angels and Fantasy Island, and I met a bunch of famous folk. But to answer your question about my fav Vegas-based show, it has to be the aptly named Vegas, with Robert Urich playing Dan Tanna. I used to love finding the mistakes in the edits when Dan would be traveling down LV Blvd and turn onto a street that was nowhere near LV Blvd. It was like finding Easter eggs.
That is so cool! I love looking for continuity mistakes for movies and tv shows filmed in Los Angeles.
Movie: Casino
TV: Vega$
Entertainer: Dean Martin
Casino is a classic! Surprised more people haven't mentioned that one. Haven't seen Vega$. Thanks for adding the entertainer. Plus one for that and plus one because it's Dean Martin!
That question was oddly specific... *side eye*
I'm not sure I have a favorite story in Vegas. The one that immediately comes to mind is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but I'm not sure if I liked it at the time so much as was morbidly curiously about how someone could intentionally consume paregoric.
Haha, yeah I was gonna go with a different question, but our exchange about Vegas inspired this one instead. Also, glad to see another vote for Fear & Loathing. I do love that movie, but for my money, the book is really where it's at.
To be honest, the only thing that I've seen that's completly set in Vagas is CSI, but partly Percy Jackson: Lightning theif (both book and musical; don't bother with the movie)
CSI Vegas seems to be a popular choice!
Vega$ (1978 TV series) Dan Tanna and his red T Bird
Haven't seen that one! But if it's got a red T Bird, I need to check it out!
It’s been years since I’ve seen it, but gotta drop Martin Scorsese’s ‘Casino’ here. Also, ‘Swingers,’ but it’s been even longer since I’ve seen that. This is making me realize I need to do some revisits!
You should absolutely revisit both movies! And remember, Swingers has a fantastic homage to another Scorsese film, Goodfellas, although that scene takes place back in LA.
Came here to say "Swingers". I love that movie. Probably seen it a dozen times, but haven't watched it in ages.
You're so money, and you don't even know it.
Just trying to be like the guy in the rated R movie over here
OCEAN'S 11 definitely captures the "Vegas vibes" the most for me. But for pure enjoyment, I do love THE HANGOVER. And I'll give an honorable mention to FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS.
The Hangover is endlessly entertaining. Love the way they use the structure of a detective story (where's Doug, what happened to him??) to take us on a wild ride through the fun & games of Vegas! Fear & Loathing absolutely deserves an honorable mention just for the trippy scene at Circus Circus!
Here's the Fear & Loathing scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP8_w1J5raY
Let's be honest: you are totally the guy who would place a proposition bet that involved a Ramen-eating contest with the cast of the Thunder Down Under - if only for the story fodder.
I, too, am a sucker for any heist movie (in Vegas or elsewhere), especially the first Ocean's flick. But my most memorable Vegas moment is quite a story in and of itself - starting with the time-share preso that got me there (delivered by the twin brother of Bronson Pinchot) and including a visit to the Neon Museum and a tour through the neighborhoods that stand in sharp contrast to the glitz of the Strip.
OK, you got me! I am that guy. But I didn't just do it for the story. I did it because those Thunder Down Under guys looked like the needed some carbs. Also, I need to hear more about Bronson Pinchot's twin!
One vote for Leaving Los Vegas.
Such a great movie! Dark, but really wonderful. And a great example of what a great actor Nicolas Cage is. Sure, he does a lot of silly, popcorn stuff. But when it comes to dramas, that guy really brings it!