Rounders (1998)
Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Turturro
Mike is a law student who has once been burned playing poker, and has turned his back on gambling in order to settle in with his girlfriend Jo, and his studies. When his former partner in crime Worm is released from prison, though, he is tempted back to the card tables and realises how much he enjoy... (read more) Mike is a law student who has once been burned playing poker, and has turned his back on gambling in order to settle in with his girlfriend Jo, and his studies. When his former partner in crime Worm is released from prison, though, he is tempted back to the card tables and realises how much he enjoys the thrill of gambling. Jo leaves him, and he goes on a poker spree with Worm, in an attempt to recoup a debt that Worm has carried over from before prison. The men to whom Worm owes the money get heavy, and Mike is forced into a showdown with Teddy KGB, the hood to whom he lost his life savings a year before.
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R, 121 min.
Directed by:
John Dahl
Release Date: Sep 11, 1998
DVD Release Date: Jul 03, 2001
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Flixster User Reviews
Kind've a disappointment and nowhere near memorable. The only noteworthy aspect of the film is Edward Norton's performance, which sadly isn't enough to make this a good movie. It is a predictable story that has ultimately no depth or meaning.
Still easily the best poker movie I have ever seen.
It is also still painful to see Worm destroying Mike's life bit by bit. Goddamn what an asshole! The games are intense and engaging, which is the main thing, but I like all the stuff that's in be... (read more) Still easily the best poker movie I have ever seen.
It is also still painful to see Worm destroying Mike's life bit by bit. Goddamn what an asshole! The games are intense and engaging, which is the main thing, but I like all the stuff that's in between as well. The life of a poker professional before hitting it big can not be easy, and I think the film captures that very well.
This movie needs a sequel. Mike could be a millionaire hotshot after winning the world championship, and Worm could come back and fuck up all his shit again, or something. I'd just like to see some continuation. I must know what happened!
not the best made movie ever, but i love poker so much and this is the best poker movie out there so its in my top 10.
Really liked it. I don't even play poker, and I liked it. It's all thanks to the great performances in this movie, especially Edward Norton. His character is clearly pretty unsavory, but somehow the way he plays Worm makes him likable. That's the mar... (read more) Really liked it. I don't even play poker, and I liked it. It's all thanks to the great performances in this movie, especially Edward Norton. His character is clearly pretty unsavory, but somehow the way he plays Worm makes him likable. That's the mark of a truly great actor. Altogether they keep the movie fairly fast-paced, and it never slips into being boring, even for someone who doesn't play poker. Good movie.
Completely forgettable apart from John Malkovich's pathetic performance as a Russian gangster.
This was one really good movie about Underground Poker, with Matt Damon and Edward Norton bringing their A game. Sure, the movie can be really slow in parts, but the poker matches are always a blast to watch and can get quite suspenseful at times. Ho... (read more) This was one really good movie about Underground Poker, with Matt Damon and Edward Norton bringing their A game. Sure, the movie can be really slow in parts, but the poker matches are always a blast to watch and can get quite suspenseful at times. However, with that said, the movie itself was pretty predictable and played out exactly as you can probably imagine it does. And despite being a good movie, it doesn't seem to have much re-watchiblity. its one of those movies that once you watch once, its not nearly as good upon repeated viewings because most of its charm, aside from the acting, lies in its suspense which it has none once you've already seen it once.
A personal favorite. An inspirational movie cast in the mold of the 1997 "Good Will Hunting". It's not as good as the latter, but still it holds up pretty good.
Disappointing! It could have been so much more if there was just more force and energy in the film.
My favorite film of my entire life, hands down. If you're a hustler who dreams big and takes chances - Win or Lose - with the hope of going forward into great glory like yours truly, this is the one for you. This isn't a film about Poker, this isn't ... (read more) My favorite film of my entire life, hands down. If you're a hustler who dreams big and takes chances - Win or Lose - with the hope of going forward into great glory like yours truly, this is the one for you. This isn't a film about Poker, this isn't a film about Gambling or Texas Hold 'Em. This is a film about stepping up to the plate and losing everything, and having the balls to build your life back up again from nothing and take another shot. "I'm All In"
Anyone who knows me will know that I love poker. To me, it is not only a sport, but a form of art. So when I picked up 'Rounders', which is supposed to be a great representation of the Art, at JB HiFi, I had high expectations. I truly hoped that this... (read more) Anyone who knows me will know that I love poker. To me, it is not only a sport, but a form of art. So when I picked up 'Rounders', which is supposed to be a great representation of the Art, at JB HiFi, I had high expectations. I truly hoped that this would be a movie that would glorify dear poker in a tale of the intense world of tournament [and illegal] poker. I was not disappointed.
'Rounders' featured a star class, highlighted with captivating performances by Matt Damon (haha) and Edward Norton. I'm glad to say that the poker play was quite brilliant as well for a film; correct (and fairly complex) terminology was used, bluffing was regularly used in detail and the dangers of irresponsible and illegal gambling are brought forth.
All in all, just watch this if you like poker. POKEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
May be not the best of Matt and Norton bu still a very good movie and a must watch :D
Critic Reviews
Though it's a good-looking flick with some smart acting and a few flashy runs, it barely breaks even dramatically, and feels, overall, like a good chance wasted.full review
In fighting to show the psychological complexities in Mike that the script ignores, Damon plays it like a rounder instead of a grinder. This kid still has surprises up his sleeve.full review
Rounders cheerfully buys into compulsive gambling!full review
According to director John Dahl's Rounders, professional poker players are very, very interesting people -- for about five minutes.full review
A promising cast can't rescue a script without surprises!
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