Listen to me, you read the title, we’re not going to talk about Rounders here. Sure, it’s a great film, I agree, but the reason this article exists is to shed light on gems that you might not know about, and further dive into card game cinema. We’re trying to find that hidden Ace and enlighten people.
It’s a given that online poker has been responsible for the poker boom over the past two decades, it has introduced many to the game and made many rich. However, what’s interesting to know is that its legality may differ from other forms of casino gambling, though, poker games are on offer in plenty of online casinos, which are a thriving business. They allow advanced games to be played on your phone, some give sign-up bonuses, and there are slot perks like free spins, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots. These casino bonuses will bring a whole new level of fun and entertainment.
Similar to a real-life casino, they reward you for playing too, through loyalty programs. But has there been a movie about online poker? Yes, it’s called – Runner Runner, and it stars Ben Affleck. But, we’re not here to talk about that, we’re here for some great movies that have flown under the radar, where characters play on real-life, baize-covered tables.
The Music of Chance
A fairly obscure and fascinating movie, based on the absurdist novel by Paul Auster, this 1993 independent film starring Mandy Patinkin and James Spader deals with the nature of random chance. The story revolves around a man that has recently received an inheritance and risks it all on a gambler in a game against two rich eccentrics, one that proves to have major consequences.
The Music of Chance was one of the biggest movies in 1993 and paved the way for numerous other modern poker films. Both critics and viewers gave it positive reviews stating that they were amused during every second of it.
Shade
Did you know that Sylvester Stallone was one of the best poker hustlers ever? On celluloid, that is, not in real-life. While this 2003 movie is mainly about Stuart Townsend’s character – Vernon, an up-and-coming card mechanic, the main event is a showdown against the best of them all – The Dean, or Stallone.
This one features an all-star cast. Really, you can’t keep up with all the famous actors that make an appearance. Thandie Newton, Gabriel Byrne, Jamie Foxx, Bo Hopkins, Melanie Griffith and more!
Lucky You
A forgotten entry in the canon of the late-great Curtis Hanson. This drama with Eric Bana in the title role was inspired by the 1970s film – The Only Game in Town. It’s a tale of a poker player who tries to win a Vegas tournament while fighting his personal demons. Robert Duval co-stars as Bana’s father and a former World Series of Poker Champion.
Will he be able to overcome his problems or will they prove to be too much for Huck Cheever (Eric Bana)? This movie grossed over $8 million at the box office.
Win It All
Joe Swanberg is known for his numerous micro-budget movies. His name might be in the dictionary under prolific, as he’s made up to six films in one year.
In 2015, Swanberg teamed up with actor Jake Johnson to write and produce this little indie fare. A story about a compulsive gambler who’s given a bag of money to hold, but temptation makes him lose it all at poker. Then, he must redeem himself and find a way to win it all back.
