The Best Poker Movies of All Time
Whether you are an online poker player or just love movies that revolve around the game, there are several movies that you may enjoy. Below, you will find an overview of some of the best poker movies of all time.
Molly’s Game
Having made numerous successful scripts, including Backwards Time Travel, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Social Network, and Match Game, Aaron Sorkin has branched out to direct his debut, Molly’s Game. The film is based on Molly Bloom’s memoir. It also features big-name celebrities.
Sorkin has a knack for making characters think and talk their way out of a corner. The result is a well-paced, fast-paced script. There is a lot of character interplay, and Chastain’s performance is excellent.
However, there are times when the film feels like it is moving too fast. Sorkin’s script is very sharp, but sometimes the pacing feels too fast. The 140-minute movie feels like it is longer.
Rounders
Among the many gambling movies, Rounders stands out as the best. It features several well-executed casino poker moments that will make you want to hit the tables. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a casual gambler, you will find something to appreciate about this movie.
It has the honor of being the first film to place poker at the forefront of the cinema. While the poker game itself is a bit of a stretch, Rounders does its best to illustrate the need for skill in winning at poker.
The film stars Matt Damon and John Malkovich. The movie tells the story of two friends playing poker, one with an ulterior motive.
Two For the Money
This movie shows the darker side of poker, with a focus on the gambling underworld. It stars Al Pacino as Walter Abrams and Matthew McConaughey as Brandon Lang.
The two men join forces to make money off of sports betting. But their relationship soon turns into something more dangerous than they had anticipated. As the stakes get higher, they must confront the reality that there can be no winners in this game.
Two for the Money is an exciting movie with a lot of twists and turns. It explores what happens when money, power, and ambition become intertwined with gambling. This film is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
A Big Hand For The Little Lady
Adapted from the 1962 TV show Big Deal in Laredo, A Big Hand For The Little Lady is a slick comedy western. The plot centers on a small family’s arrival in a town to get their wagon wheel fixed. The family meets a young son named Jackie. It is at this point that the family is approached by a lawyer named Otto Habershaw, who convinces the family to enter a high-stakes poker game.
The movie is full of humor and features a great cast. It stars Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, Jason Robards, and Strother Martin. The film nicely captures the tension of the poker game as well as the humorous moments that come with it.
Shade
Shade is an interesting poker movie that takes a different perspective on the game. It stars Sylvester Stallone, Gabriel Byrne, and Hal Holbrook in a story of revenge.
Stallone’s character, Chester Rush, comes to Las Vegas to get even with the man who ruined his life. He plays high-stakes poker with a circle of hustlers, but what starts as an opportunity for revenge soon becomes something more.
The movie is stylishly shot, and the cast gives good performances. The slow-paced story could be seen as a bit dull to some viewers, but its unique approach makes it stand out from other movies about poker.
Conclusion
Poker has certainly been an important part of cinema, and many poker movies have made their mark on the film industry. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted heist flick or a gritty drama about revenge, these are some of the best poker movies of all time. They feature great characters, exciting stories, and plenty of twists and turns. So, if you’re in the mood for a poker movie, these are definitely worth a watch!
