ROUNDERS (Theatrical Release USA 1998)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Rounders—high stakes poker playing—tells its story via Matt Damon, John Malkovich, Edward Norton, and John Turturro. The film is entertaining and gives insight into high stakes card games, cheating and playing straight, and the talent involved in playing this game well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Mike McDermott plays a straight game of poker and desires to enter the Las Vegas World Series of Poker Main Event, but before he can do that he finds himself tied up with a friend who has just been released from prison and is in trouble for an old gaming debt that gangsters are claiming due within five days.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director John Dahl for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Bobby Cohen, Kerry Orent, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), Jo (Gretchen Mol), Teddy KGB (John Malkovich), Russian Thug (Paul Cicero), Kenny (Ray Iannicelli), Joey Knish (John Turturro), Sy (Merwin Goldsmith), Tony (Sonny Zito), and Zagosh (Josh Mostel)

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is interesting and has enough drama to satisfy.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers