After losing a high-stakes game of Texas Hold ‘Em, former gambler Mike (Matt Damon) finds himself being sucked back into the world of when his friend Worm (Edward Norton) is released from prison, who now has to pay back the debts he accumulated before being locked up.

CRITIQUE

Had I not been exposed to the Celebrity Poker matches that are being shown on television today, I don’t believe I would have found this film as interesting as I do. It’s not that the film is bad or anything, but before now, the idea of a film about people who play Texas Hold ‘Em wouldn’t have really sucked me in. 

The story itself is nothing new; it’s the standard sports glory story. Mike had a shot at going for the gold (in this case, winning enough money to go to Vegas and play with the World Series of Poker champions) but is taken down by fate. Now broke, he must work night shift jobs to pay for his Law School education. However, his childhood friend, Worm, has gotten out of jail and is looking for a little card action, which slowly brings Mike back into his old life. There is a catch though, Worm had accumulated a lot of debt before getting busted, and now that he’s out he owes plus interest. Mike, tied to his friend through loyalty, must now risk it all in a final match against the very same person who destroyed his dreams of glory.

Both Damon and Norton are fantastic. They talk in poker jargon so naturally that, although you have no idea what they are saying (unless you know the jargon yourself) it’s doesn’t matter because you get the meaning. John Malkovich is, as always, a pleasure to watch, playing a gangster-type card player. John Tuturro is fun, and Martin Landau is superb. No one in the cast slacks off.

The film never glorifies the game of poker. We are never treated to elaborate camera work, trying to make the game seem more exciting than it is. That’s not the film’s intent; the film is about the characters, not the game. And if the film has done its job right, you are into the game because you are into the characters, not the other way around.

This a good film for poker fans to watch as well as fans of drama. It’s a well put together little film.

THE VIDEO

The video transfer looks wonderful. The colors are bright and the black levels are consistent. I did worry for a moment when I saw the title menu, which seems to be tinted red for some reason, however, there is absolutely nothing wrong with transfer.

THE AUDIO

The film is presented in Dolby 5.1 Surround sound and the mix works pretty well, especially during the scenes in the clubs. The ambience is really nice. The dialogue is never lost under sound effects or music. It’s a nice mix.

THE EXTRAS

Commentary with Director John Dahl, Screenwriters David Levien and Brian Koppelman, and Actor Edward Norton – A really good commentary track that touches on a few of the aspects of filmmaking such as the idea’s conception through shooting the film.

Commentary by Professional Poker Players – A few of the championship poker plays give their perspectives on Matt Damon and Edward Norton’s card playing. Only good for those who love poker.

“Heads up Texas Hold ‘Em” – Play cards against the computer, if you want.

Behind the Scenes – A decent short filled with interviews with the cast and crew. No real information is given other than the usual “the cast is great, I get to do (fill in the blank.)”

Inside Professional Poker – Learn what the professional poker players feel about the game and see what the World Series of Poker looks like.

Poker Tips from the Champions – Tips from a few of the poker champs.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is a very good presentation for Rounders. The film is good and the supplemental features are worth watching once. While the film is geared a little towards the poker loving crowd, it’s a film that any one can jump into.