The game of bingo is a pass-time known and loved the world over, that’s why it has made many starring appearances in the world of Television and film over the years.
Far from the stereotypical representation of old ladies in a community hall, today’s bingo players come from all ages and backgrounds, thanks to the range of online bingo games available on sites such https://www.bingosites.uk/, although granted, showing someone playing bingo on their mobile device is a little dull for the silver screen.
Perhaps not as glamorous as the casino scenes from James Bond, bingo has featured on screen many times. So from some of the most funny to the most memorable, here are the best bingo references from TV and Cinema:
Hotel Transylvania
The popular animated film about Dracula running his monster getaway, Hotel Transylvania paid tribute to the game of bingo in its own inimitable style. In one scene while the game is underway, a neighbouring monster proves the competitive nature of the game by eating Mrs Frankenstein’s winning card. The light hearted take on the game is also depicted with the caller picking balls made out of skulls that can hiss out their numbers when chosen.
Rampage
Rampage is a film that tells the story of a man who is hell-bent on revenge and builds himself a Kevlar bodysuit before going on a killing spree. Despite such as serious storyline, the bingo reference in Rampage is actually a humorous one; our main protagonist is involved in some disturbing scenes as he goes on a rampage but is astounded when no-one notices him after entering a bingo hall. Only after disrupting the game do a few players look up, but his presence is ignored still and the game continues. A nod to the classic game even within a film with a serious message.
Better Call Saul
In this great scene from the acclaimed spin off of ‘Breaking Bad’ everyone’s favourite shifty lawyer Jimmy, played again by Bob Odenkirk, goes into a partial nihilistic meltdown (much to the confusion of the elderly bingo fans). A very funny scene from an excellent series.
King of the Bingo
Not merely satisfied with making a bingo scene, King of the Bingo puts the game front and centre. The film is an adaptation of Ralph Ellison’s’ 1944 King of the Bingo Game publication that used the game as a backdrop for exploring themes of alienation and isolation. The King of the Bingo takes place in a Bingo Hall and sees the main protagonist trying to win the prize so he can take care of his impoverished family, – a must-see for all bingo fans.
As bingo moves into a new era with mobile bingo making it easier for millions of smartphone users to take up the game, there is no doubt there will be even more bingo scenes and references to add to the ones above in future films and television shows.
