Rounders

R

Released Sep 8, 1998

2 hr. 0 min.

Drama

List

64%

81 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) loses his money in a poker game against Russian gangster Teddy "KGB" (John Malkovich). Under pressure from his girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol), he promises to quit gambling. This lasts until his friend, Lester "Worm" Murphy (Edward Norton), gets out of prison and needs to pay off an old debt. The pair come close to earning the money back but are caught cheating. Then Mike finds out the debt is owed to Teddy and makes one last-ditch effort to beat the Russian.

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Critics Consensus

Richly atmospheric and colorful performances contributed to the movie's entertainment value.

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Caleb J

Best Poker film of all-time. Damon & Norton are fantastic. Certified Banger.

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 out of 5 stars

03/02/24

Full Review

Amin K

"Rounders" is an electrifying dive into the world of underground poker, directed by John Dahl. Set against the gritty backdrop of New York City, the film follows the journey of Mike McDermott, played by Matt Damon, a talented poker player who finds himself torn between the allure of the game and the desire for a stable life. Alongside Damon's compelling portrayal, Edward Norton delivers a magnetic performance as Mike's unpredictable friend, Worm. What sets "Rounders" apart is its authentic depiction of the poker subculture. From smoky underground clubs to high-stakes tournaments, the film immerses viewers in the adrenaline-fueled world of professional gambling. Each hand of cards is played with palpable tension, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Beyond its gripping narrative, "Rounders" features sharp dialogue and insightful commentary on themes of risk, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness. The screenplay, written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, skillfully weaves together a story that resonates long after the credits roll. In summary, "Rounders" is a cinematic gem that delivers an unforgettable experience without spoiling the plot. With its stellar performances, riveting storyline, and rich thematic depth, it's a must-watch for anyone seeking a thrilling cinematic ride. Whether you're a poker enthusiast or simply a fan of compelling storytelling, "Rounders" is sure to leave you captivated from beginning to end.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/27/24

Full Review

Christian K

Great performances in a fun world, even enjoy Norton who is basically the worst person alive in this. Malkovich is a ?? but I wouldn't want anybody else to try his role.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/24

Full Review

Lisa B

How can anyone support a movie where an actor beats a dog in it! Shame on all of you!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/03/23

Full Review

shteebo

One of the best poker culture movies ever made. If you've played poker in a card room or casino you'll love it. If not, it may be hard to follow.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/23

Full Review

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John Dahl

Director

Matt Damon

Mike McDermott

Ed Norton

Lester 'Worm' Murphy

John Turturro

Joey Knish

Gretchen Mol

Jo

Famke Janssen

Petra

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

The most vivid and most enjoyable movies immerse us in a world, and show us how that world works. The screenplay by David Levien and Brian Koppelman does that; Dahl's direction closes the deal.

Jun 19, 2016

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Rita Kempley

Washington Post

The wholesome pup's poker face alone, however, hardly accounts for the film's failure to thrill. Damon's character doesn't really have that much stake in the story's outcome.

Mar 25, 2008

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

This is tired, tired stuff.

Rated: C-

Sep 2, 2022

Full Review

Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

"Rounders" is basically "Good Will Hunting 2." I'll go so far as to say that it's even more entertaining. I've seen "Good Will Hunting" twice. I've seen "Rounders" at least nine times.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 31, 2021

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

If you are a fan of poker, you will likely love this film's portrayal of the poker world.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 21, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) loses his money in a poker game against Russian gangster Teddy "KGB" (John Malkovich). Under pressure from his girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol), he promises to quit gambling. This lasts until his friend, Lester "Worm" Murphy (Edward Norton), gets out of prison and needs to pay off an old debt. The pair come close to earning the money back but are caught cheating. Then Mike finds out the debt is owed to Teddy and makes one last-ditch effort to beat the Russian.

Director: John Dahl
Executive Producer: Bobby Cohen, Kerry Orent, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein
Screenwriter: David Levien, Brian Koppelman
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Miramax Films, Spanky Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.9M
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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