Rounders

What begins as a compelling character study and fascinating foray into the professional poker subculture gradually folds, cashing in its chips on a more conventional Rocky-esque finale. Except in this case, the underdog is a "rounder" who would quit law school to pursue his dream of playing in the World Series of Poker. Matt Damon, Hollywood's new golden boy, is aces as Mike McDermott, who shares such table wisdom as: "If you can't spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table, you are the sucker." The wild card is Oscar-nominee Edward Norton as Worm, Mike's more reckless friend who is in debt to the wrong people and needs Mike to ante up for him. The joker is John Malkovich as Russian mob-connected Teddy KGB, who is Mike's Apollo Creed. John Turturro is the voice of reason, who knows when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. Maybe it's because I'm more of a nickel slot kind of guy, but rooting for a compulsive gambler--even one who would quit law school, as this movie encourages--does not provide the same spirit-lifting knockout as cheering for the Italian Stallion to rise from the canvas and go the distance. Still, a sure bet to be popular with fans of the cast. Optional. (K. Lee Benson)[DVD Review--September 21, 2004--Miramax, 121 min., R, $19.99--Making its second appearance on DVD as part of Miramax's “Collector's Series,” Rounders includes a pair of audio commentaries (one by director John Dahl, co-writers David Levien and Brian Koppelman, and costar Edward Norton; the other by professional poker players Johnny Chan, Phil Helmuth, Chris Moneymaker, and Chris “Jesus” Ferguson), a behind-the-scenes featurette, “Champion Poker Tips” featurettes, a “Hands Up Texas Hold ‘Em” set-top game and tutorial, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an interesting if flawed film.][Blu-ray Review—Aug. 16, 2011—Lionsgate, 121 min., R, $14.99—Making its second appearance on Blu-ray, 1998's Rounders boasts a nice transfer and DTS-HD 5.1 sound. Blu-ray extras are identical to the previous DVD release, including two audio commentaries (one by director John Dahl, co-writers David Levien and Brian Koppelman, and costar Edward Norton; the other by professional poker players Johnny Chan, Phil Helmuth, Chris Moneymaker, and Chris “Jesus” Ferguson), an “Inside Professional Poker” featurette (6 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (5 min.), tips from pro players, and trailers. Bottom line: a welcome Blu-ray debut for an uneven but often engaging film.]