This movie is centered around a poker tournament
Kenneth Axel Carlsson
This movie is centered around a poker tournament (called... the Grand, obviously). Build as a documentary, we follow a bunch of people; Jack Faro (Woody…
This movie is centered around a poker tournament (called... the Grand, obviously). Build as a documentary, we follow a bunch of people; Jack Faro (Woody Harrelson) who own (or owned) a casino that he got from his grandpa, but has been staying at a rehab facility of late; Harold Melvin, a nerd who lives with his mother, and drinks a lot of Brain Juice; Lainie, a housewife who is getting a little tired of her husband, Fred (Ray Romano); Larry, Lainie's brother who is... a little out there, and always a step behind his sister; Deuce Fairbanks (Dennis Farina), an elderly gentlemen (a cowboy really) who speaks his mind and likes to remember the olden days; The German (Werner Herzog), a crazy german who feel compelled to kill at least one animal each day, and therefore arrive with... a lot of the; Andy Andrews, who won a seat at the Grand, more or less, by accident.
Just your average poker players... or maybe not. This is a movie afterall, so of course the characters needs to be... quirky. Also, this is clearly a comedy (and not an actual documentary, but I think you had guessed that). I kinda like these characters, flaws, weirdness and all. Oh, and there are other players as well.
The movie is not filmed entirely as a documentary, but goes back and forth between the genres. Most of the time, the camera is handheld, making for very lively images, but there are also interviews with our six main characters, where they tell their stories. In theory, it is a good idea, but in reality, it seems more like a gimmick than anything else. I read somewhere that when they sad down at the final table, they did not have a script, and actually, didn't know who would win. I like movies that use improvisation, but honestly, I've seen better movies than this one.
_Last words... a short ride, with its moments, but not much of a movie. It'll be forgotten by the morrow. Want to see a good movie about poker, go see Matt Damon and John Malkovich battle it out in Rounders._
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★ 6 / 10
Take your seat at the final table.
trojan_u
Being a regular poker player myself, i was probably more interested in watching this, than a non poker player, but you do not have to be an avid poker fan to…
Being a regular poker player myself, i was probably more interested in watching this, than a non poker player, but you do not have to be an avid poker fan to enjoy this movie, though it would be slightly more interesting if you was.
Although the main basis of the film is about 6 people who have made the final table of a £10m poker tournament, it goes into more detail at the start of the film, of each particular person and their background etc, so by the end of the movie when the final is being played, you will probably have a favourite as to who you want to win.
But although the movie was watchable, it wasn't that good that you would want to watch it again and halfway through the film you've a pretty good idea how its going to end.
If you are into poker, look out for cameo appearances of Doyle Brunson and Phil Helmuth.
Verdict: Watchable but don't expect too much out of it.
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★ 7 / 10
Best Poker movie since Cincinatti Kid
wsuggs74
Yes, its silly, but so was Spinal Tap, which The Grand owes a debt to in many ways. Gabe Kaplan is hilarious as the father of two poker pros and Dennis Farina…
Yes, its silly, but so was Spinal Tap, which The Grand owes a debt to in many ways.
Gabe Kaplan is hilarious as the father of two poker pros and Dennis Farina has the old time Vegas hood down pat. Phil Gordon, the best live teacher in poker, has some great lines as the tournament commentator.
You will spot a friend or yourself in one or more of the players, and the cameos are fun, including Phil "the hillside strangler" Laak as he was introduced..
If you like poker and still have a funny bone, this is as good as it gets.
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5.9/10
6.2K
