The Best Poker Movies Ever (Part 1)
Poker is a great game! Anyone who has spent a little more time at the table has a thousand stories to tell. Dramatic twists, luck and bad luck with the cards, successful bluffs, big losses and even bigger wins. A story is really good if it is interestingly told. In the cinema, they know how to do it. For this reason, we're going to take a look at some of the best movies in history in which poker is a central figure.
Deal (2008)
It is no coincidence that our ranking starts with this film. If you really like poker, you should watch it. Burt Reynolds' stellar performance as Tommy is just one of the elements that will draw you in. His character is a former poker player who wants to teach young Alex (Brett Harrison) the secrets of the game. Big profits are the goal. In return, Tommy expects half of them, but does it turn out that way? We get the answer with the participation of stars of the game like Antonio Esfandiari.
The Lucky One (2007)
Like most major productions, this one also became the subject of much criticism and mixed feelings. The film tells the story of Huck Cheever (Eric Bana) and LC Cheever (Robert Duvall). The two are father and son, and the goal is a breakthrough in the world of poker. The problem is that Huck lives in his father's shadow. The two do not like each other because of the divorce of LC and his now ex-wife. They arrive in Las Vegas to take part in the same tournament. Can poker bring a family together?
Maverick (1994)
A classic! Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner star in a true masterpiece. Brett Maverick is looking for a quick win to take part in an extremely high-stakes tournament where the champion wins it all. In his impasse, he turns to what he does best - betting. He joins forces with Annabelle Bransford. That's how all the fun begins. The poker doesn't stand out that much, but the movie is really good.
The Grand (2007)
Certainly the best comedy in our ranking because it is the only one. But any comedy with Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson, Chris Parnell, Jason Alexander, Dennis Farina and many others is good. The acting here must be at a very high level. The protagonists only get a basic introduction to the concept and play real poker. Without everything being pre-planned. The winner is really unpredictable. Of course, this is a double-edged sword, but it definitely has its positives.
California Split (1974)
George Segal and Elliott Gould star as Bill and Charlie. The two will reveal to us the life of professional gamblers in the 1970s in the USA. The characters get into many interesting situations and overcome challenges on the way to success. At the beginning, the film may look like a comedy, but as it develops, it shows us how difficult life is in this field. Self-sacrifice becomes a nightmare.