Rounders

Rounders is the all time poker classic of poker classics.  Classified by some as a cult classic, every list of poker movies is bound to have a spot reserved for this movie.  Released in 1998, Rounders was partially responsible for the poker craze of the late 90s and early 2000s.  Top notch performances by Edward Norton, Matt Damon and John Malkovich more than make up for the movie’s uninspiring plot.

Rounders Plot

Matt Damon stars as Mike McDermott, a law school student torn between loyalty to his girlfriend and his best friend, Les “The Worm” Murphy (Edward Norton).  After having promised his girlfriend he would stop playing poker, McDermott’s resolve is tested when Les is released from prison.

The deeply indebted Les convinces McDermott to sit at high stakes poker games to help pay off old debts.  As they hit up a bunch of amateur poker games, the duo gets into even more trouble when Mike accidentally vouches for Murphy’s debt.  With both of their lives on the line, they have two days to raise $15,000.

The action culminates in a super high stakes heads up match between Mike and Russian mobster Teddy KGB (John Malkovich).  With everything on the line, McDermott must best the man who took his life savings in a heads up match one year ago.

Rounders Review

Although some of the poker scenes are cheesy, this movie is a must see for all poker fans.  One thing I found really cool about the movie was a little detail they got just right.  When Matt Damon’s character opens a dresser drawer for money, a collection of classic poker books is seen and it is just spot on.  Caro’s Book of Tells and Super/System can be spotted among the bunch.

Even for non poker players, I highly recommend this movie.  Edward Norton and Matt Damon put on superb performances that reach across audiences.  The character development is simply marvelous.  One scene that really stands out takes place at the poker game against the off duty cops.

Despite Matt Damon’s insistence that they play a fair game, Edward Norton continually stacks the deck in Damon’s favor.  In turn, Matt Damon attempts to avoid a confrontation by purposely folding the winning hands he’s constantly being dealt.  But before you know it, Norton has gotten the pair in trouble again.

Rounders isn’t a masterpiece but the wonderful acting and fun story make it a good way to spend a couple hours.  If you go in hoping for some good movie-watching fun, you won’t be disappointed.  So next time you get a chance, get yourself a copy of this movie and enjoy the ride.