Rounders

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Martin R A movie where the whole is not as good as the sum of its parts. The individual performances are outstanding. Damon's character is trying to decide if his devotion to poker is gambling addiction or a true love of poker as an art and skill. Poker players can fit a stereotype - the worst being Edward Norton as a true gambling junkie; the best being John Turturro who loves cards the way a chess master loves chess - but also is a responsible father and homeowner who will not risk beyond a certain point. Malkovich's unique Russian/English pronunciation and his menacing nerd take on the role is extraordinary. Martin Landau as the mentor/ surrogate father has an understated role just as striking as Malkovich's over the top performance. He is dissapointed in Damon's irresponsibility as a law student; but wants to understand his love of cards as he loves the law. Landau forgiving Damon and encouraging him to pursue his dream in poker is in direct contrast to Landau's own father never speaking to him again once he chose the law over rabbinical school. Also love Gretchen Mol's sweetness - Damon 'cheats' on her w poker and her pain while still in love is beautifully conveyed - she was an underrated actress. But for all its stengths the movie has an arrogance and hollowness to it that make it mediocre. All the garbage poker terms dumped on us with no explanation are annoying. And the movie's hollywood take that most people are enemies or competition - and defending the honor of emotional cripples as strength is off. Plus another Ed Norton stylized jerk performance that was already cliche Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/11/24 Full Review Dave S Already involved in a fractious relationship over previous gambling issues, law student Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) further complicates things when he becomes involved with debts owed to a Russian mobster by his friend Lester (Edward Norton), recently released from prison. With Rounders, director John Dahl, graduating from his signature film noirs, tells a story of greed, passion, and loyalty that features an interesting storyline, equally interesting characters, and a great performance from Norton. On the flipside, the voiceover narration, especially early on, feels lazy, the performance by John Malkovich as the Russian mobster is way over the top, and viewers with no knowledge of poker may find the Texas Hold ‘Em scenes baffling. Despite these minor shortcomings, it’s one of the best poker movies available for those who enjoy the game. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/13/24 Full Review timmy b Incredibly well written, acted & directed. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/02/24 Full Review Mike H One of my absolute favorites. So well written and performed. Best poker movie out there. Oh and there’s Malkovich. The great Malkovich. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/20/24 Full Review Caleb J Best Poker film of all-time. Damon & Norton are fantastic. Certified Banger. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/20/24 Full Review Matthew C Dated and boring, particularly the nonsense with the judge. Poker was mainly good but thats all this has. Malcovich over acts and where was a card dealer? Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/02/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Rounders

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