Card games have always had a huge audience. Now wonder filmmakers couldn’t miss an opportunity to bring this theme to the big screen. Poker is probably the most common choice due to its popularity among casino fans. Even those who have never played this game have definitely heard about it. That’s why there are so many films inspired by live casino poker, with the game taking the central focus or playing a side role in the storyline.
To be fair enough, not all poker movies deserve your attention. Many of them turn out to be quite naive by failing to replicate the real atmosphere of the casino game. On the flip side, here are real masterpieces that are worth watching. Let’s check some of them below.
Rounders (1998)
Rounders is a crime drama film about the secret world of illegal poker, starring Matt Damon, John Malkovich, Ed Norton, and John Turturro. It tells the story of a poker grinder, Mike McDermott, who wants to participate in the World Series of Poker. On the way to his dream, he has to play numerous games against serious rivals. He often has to make tough decisions while trying to keep the right balance between discipline and temptation. His bluff against Teddy KGB’s unbeatable hand fails, which makes him quit poker. Mike has to face Teddy KGB once again at the end of the movie, creating the main twist.
Rounders is really passionate about poker. It creates a unique atmosphere of tension and excitement, keeping the audience entertained all the way to the end. Although handling poker hands in the movie isn’t always correct, the whole process still looks cool. Even those who have never played poker will want to try it. Professional players praise Rounders for the plot, naming it one of the best poker stories in cinematography.
Molly’s Game (2017)
Molly’s Game is a biographical film based on the 2014 memoir by Molly Bloom. It tells Molly’s story, who has undergone a great transformation from an Olympian Skier to a private poker game organizer. She is running the underground world of poker, inviting celebrities, entrepreneurs, and even the mafia. At one point, her boss, Dean, isn’t happy to see Molly becoming too independent. So, she has to start her own illegal game, leading to her problems with the law and eventual downfall. Despite all ups and downs, Molly somehow manages to stay strong and even impose her own rules of the game.
Jessica Chastain does a great job portraying Molly Bloom’s endeavors in the world of high stakes. The characters of Idris Elba and Kevin Costner add emotional depth to the movie, making the whole thing look even more convincing.
The Grand (2007)
The Grand is a comedy film with a great cast, including Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Jason Alexander, and Ray Romano. Directed by Zak Penn, it is a perfect story for poker fans. It offers a lot of laughs, without losing the realism. The main story focuses on the Texas Hold’em tournament, taking place at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. The winner is promised $10,000,000. Jack Faro is after the massive reward to restore his family’s casino. Although the tournament is organized by his grandfather, Jack has to compete next to other players without any extra help.
Jack Faro is a complicated character with many virtues who is still suffering from his past mistakes. He had several unsuccessful marriages and went through rehab, adding both elements of drama and comedy to the movie. Other characters make you laugh with their behaviors and issues. The Grand feels weird compared to other poker movies. The secret of success lies in the director’s approach. Actors weren’t given any scripts but rather instructions for further action. Risky how it could be, it brought an excellent story to the big screen.
Excited to watch these poker stories on the screen? Don’t hesitate to do so. Regardless of your interest in poker, you will have an opportunity to explore the secret world of illegal games. Such movies can be a great source of motivation for global viewers. Quite a few other topics captivate the audience, like the casino world.
