Sunday, February 2, 2014

Rounders (1998)

Director: John Dahl
Writers:  David Levien, Brian Koppelman
Cast:      Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol, John Malkovich

Matt Damon plays a reformed poker player who must return to playing big stakes poker to pay off his friend's debt to loan sharks.

It is another cliched role for Matt Damon playing a character who is really good at something but wary of using it (Goodwill Hunting, Bourne series). What makes the film unique is the understated way in which the set piece games are shown. John Malkovich chews up the screen in his role as Teddy KGB. It is really a very simple film which feels like more than the sum of its parts because of the great cast. 

It didn't do well when it was released but has become some sort of a cult classic among poker enthusiasts since it doesn't dump down the game like in 'Casino Royale'. It is a good one time watch.

Rating: 3/5

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