You may love this film even if you don't like poker. Just how good can a film about a particular subject like poker be? Think about a subject like say....bowling... how good could a movie about bowling be? Well, maybe it comes down to the people making the film, and in the case of Rounders those people are very good. John Dahl, who made his mark making neo-noir cult classics like Red Rock West and The Last Seduction, shows a sure hand and an insight into the world of poker. The two lead actors, Matt Damon and Edward Norton, are absolutely perfect in their roles. The finished product is an absolute gem.
As the film begins we see Mike (Damon) lose his bankroll to a Russian mobster Teddy KGB (John Malkavich, also perfect) playing Texas low-hold poker. He ends up getting a delivery job for long time rounder Knish (John Turtorro) and settles into life in law school with his girlfriend (Gretchen Mol). Its not a bad life, but deep inside we know that Mike still craves the life of a gambler. When his longtime partner, the sleazy card mechanic Worm (Ed Norton) gets out of jail, things change quickly for Mike. We in the audience know even before Mike himself knows....he's going to go back to the poker table.
As Mike gets back into that life he quickly becomes less interested in law school and starts getting in trouble with his girlfriend. He also gets in debt to a local gambling hall, who he instructed to loan money to Worm. Worm takes full advantage of course, as you would expect by this point. As I watched this character develop my first thought was...I know someone just like this! My second thought was of what a great performance Ed Norton gives here. I can't even put into words just how perfect he is as the Worm; it has to experienced.
This film is something of a mood-piece, as well as a sort of character study. Mike grows in this film not only as a person but as a poker player, meanwhile Worm moves in the other direction, as trouble and debt mount his instinct is to run or hide (or both). When their backs are against the wall its Mike who wants redemption while Worm starts to cave in. It's an interesting twist on the characters; before it was Mike giving up and taking the safe route with Worm always pushing the odds. Maybe hitting rock bottom is how you find out who you really are.
I think one of the main themes here is this; are we going to be satisfied being what polite society tells us to be or should we follow our hearts...even if it may lead us into some troublesome results?
Inevitibly, Mike's at a crossroads as his girl has given up on him and the law school career starts going down the tubes. Meanwhile, Worms debts have added up to the point that a local thug (Michael Respoli), who happens to work for Teddy, has bought up the debt and has given a deadline. Mike and Worm go on a days-long poker spree in an attempt to settle up.
As the film reaches its climax Mike finds himself back at Teddy's place for a showdown with the Russian. Can Mike finally turn the tables on Teddy and get all the debts erased? Its a really well staged finale and we are reminded of what an excellent actor Matt Damon can be with the right material.
At the end Mike finds his true destiny and, to me, it is a satisfying conclusion...we are what we are. It's not necessarily a happy ending, yet its not sad either...its real...and its a real solid movie!
I love the very final scene as Mikes cab heads down a busy New York street to a song written for this movie by The Counting Crows, "Baby I'm a big star now". Great song that fits perfectly, its well worth watching through the credits to hear it, but you won't hear it on commercial TV.
My advice...(as always)..is watch this film uncut. 3-1/2 out of 4.
As the film begins we see Mike (Damon) lose his bankroll to a Russian mobster Teddy KGB (John Malkavich, also perfect) playing Texas low-hold poker. He ends up getting a delivery job for long time rounder Knish (John Turtorro) and settles into life in law school with his girlfriend (Gretchen Mol). Its not a bad life, but deep inside we know that Mike still craves the life of a gambler. When his longtime partner, the sleazy card mechanic Worm (Ed Norton) gets out of jail, things change quickly for Mike. We in the audience know even before Mike himself knows....he's going to go back to the poker table.
As Mike gets back into that life he quickly becomes less interested in law school and starts getting in trouble with his girlfriend. He also gets in debt to a local gambling hall, who he instructed to loan money to Worm. Worm takes full advantage of course, as you would expect by this point. As I watched this character develop my first thought was...I know someone just like this! My second thought was of what a great performance Ed Norton gives here. I can't even put into words just how perfect he is as the Worm; it has to experienced.
This film is something of a mood-piece, as well as a sort of character study. Mike grows in this film not only as a person but as a poker player, meanwhile Worm moves in the other direction, as trouble and debt mount his instinct is to run or hide (or both). When their backs are against the wall its Mike who wants redemption while Worm starts to cave in. It's an interesting twist on the characters; before it was Mike giving up and taking the safe route with Worm always pushing the odds. Maybe hitting rock bottom is how you find out who you really are.
I think one of the main themes here is this; are we going to be satisfied being what polite society tells us to be or should we follow our hearts...even if it may lead us into some troublesome results?
Inevitibly, Mike's at a crossroads as his girl has given up on him and the law school career starts going down the tubes. Meanwhile, Worms debts have added up to the point that a local thug (Michael Respoli), who happens to work for Teddy, has bought up the debt and has given a deadline. Mike and Worm go on a days-long poker spree in an attempt to settle up.
As the film reaches its climax Mike finds himself back at Teddy's place for a showdown with the Russian. Can Mike finally turn the tables on Teddy and get all the debts erased? Its a really well staged finale and we are reminded of what an excellent actor Matt Damon can be with the right material.
At the end Mike finds his true destiny and, to me, it is a satisfying conclusion...we are what we are. It's not necessarily a happy ending, yet its not sad either...its real...and its a real solid movie!
I love the very final scene as Mikes cab heads down a busy New York street to a song written for this movie by The Counting Crows, "Baby I'm a big star now". Great song that fits perfectly, its well worth watching through the credits to hear it, but you won't hear it on commercial TV.
My advice...(as always)..is watch this film uncut. 3-1/2 out of 4.