'Rounders' is the best poker film ever made!

I think, perhaps, that only those familiar with the intricate details of poker life will be able to fully appreciate this film. Most other viewers will still enjoy the film, but on a shallower level.

This film was criminally overlooked by many critics and failed somewhat surprisingly at the box office. Matt Damon was the golden boy after his Oscar winning 'Good Will Hunting', and this film followed on the coattails of that success. I think the reason this movie didn’t hit home with most viewers is the way it takes for granted that the viewer will have some interest in the game of poker to begin with. If you don’t understand the game I could see how it would be possible to feel lost with the dialogue. I, however, understand the game of Texas Hold’em very well and found the poker scenes to be riveting. The scenarios are very realistic… the terminology is accurate… the devastation and elation that comes with winning and losing is acutely portrayed by the entire cast… and the cinematography is perfectly suited to the back room world of high stakes poker.

The acting is one of the strengths of the film. Matt Damon is the level headed Mike McDermott who insists he can beat the game and rise above the seedy lower levels into the upper echelon of tournament poker in Vegas. Mike is trying to put together a bankroll large enough for him to make a run at Vegas and most importantly at the World Series of Poker… first prize is a million bucks. The film opens with that dream coming to a crashing halt at the hands of Teddy KGB (Malkovich) who takes every penny Mike has in a real “blood game”. Devastated, Mike vows to himself and his fiancé to quit the game forever. Of course this vow cannot be maintained. Mike’s best friend, Worm (Norton), coaxes him back into the addiction using logic and temptation of money. Norton is superb as always and is proving with every role that he is one of the best 20 something actors out there. Gretchen Mol is underused in her role as ‘token cute girl’ and Martin Landau is the benevolent law professor who understands Mike’s necessity and passion for the game. Every role is played the way it should be.

The film is well paced and the score accompanies the mood superbly. I think it helps if you have a basic understanding of poker and the gambling world in general, otherwise the film may not interest you much. However, the film does try to be more that just a story about a poker game… it is about the growth of accepting our needs and our fate. The film makes the case that some of us are born to do certain things… we all have passions and we should follow them. Mike McDermott tries to suppress his passion for poker and learns that the suppression is what makes him unhappy, not the poker itself. He has an overwhelming desire to know how good he actually is and to find out where the game will take him. He asks toward the end of the film…”Does the million dollars have my name on it? I don’t know, but I am going to find out.”

Okay, John Malkovich’s accent is pretty awful… I personally find it comical and occasionally imitate him when I play poker. The relationship between Mike and his girlfriend is underdeveloped… but that could result in another film altogether. The terminology for any non-poker player can be confusing and distracting. But overall, these flaws do not take away from an exciting plot, great acting and knowledgeable directing.

This film is worth seeing for any sports enthusiast, anyone who likes a comeback story, or anyone who appreciates a film that teaches them about a world they do not know or understand. 'Rounders' is easily the best poker film ever. Matt Damon and Edward Norton actually became engrossed by the game of Texas Hold’em and played in the real World Series of Poker. Most viewers will be engrossed in this film and perhaps in the world of poker… at least I hope so… us poker veterans are always in need of some new blood at the table.

© Written by TC Candler

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - A Richard Propes - B+ Jacob Hall - B-

Richard Propes' Comment

I enjoyed "Rounders," but certainly not on the level of TC. Of course, I'm not a poker player. In fact, I usually lose at "Crazy Eights" and "Old Maid." I do play a pretty mean round of "Go Fish," however. Even with my relative lack of interest here, I can't deny that Norton's performance is simply outstanding.

Jacob Hall's Comment

n/a