AnhartLinkin This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Tayloriona Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Mathilde the Guild Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Deanna There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Tiala-633-189803 I think I was ten years old, when I first saw this movie. And i thought it was a great movie. And I still do. Edward Norton plays the best friend the we all have had. That we feel the obligation to protect.Its just a great movie, If You haven't seen it, You have to. ;)

bamboojade-92247 I really loved this movie. Have the DVD and watch it every time it airs on the tube. If you are into Texas Hold Em, watch this movie. Really enjoyed the poker scenes; you get to see the entire hand play out when Mike plays KGB. Basically, good guy Mike is a poker hound and prides himself on reading players' "tells". He narrates his experience with playing poker, getting burned in a hand with KGB and losing everything. His BFF, Worm, also a poker hound, is getting paroled. Mike picks him up from prison because he owes Worm. Worm took a rap for him and ended up with the prison sentence; Mike is grateful that he has such a good friend. Problem is, Worm is exactly what his name means....a worm. His method of playing is cheating and he gets into trouble, a lot. Worm wants to get back into the action and making money; Mike is struggling to make his way through law school. Mike helps him find poker games. He goes out of his way for Worm, even vouching for him for his debts. In the end Worm lives up to his name and Mike gets screwed over. The boys crash the Friday night, state police poker night. Worm gets caught cheating, the guys get roughed up and kicked out; all their money gone. Mike finally lets Worm have it and sees him for what he is... a loser. Edward Norton is at his best when he plays slimy characters and he shines here. But since Mike vouched for Worm, he has to pay off his debt. He goes to KGB - Russian mafia - engages in an all nighter and wins money back to pay off Worm's debt. I do have a few annoyances with this film and although they sound significant, they in no way turn me off from it. 1) Why does Hollywood love jargon so much? The jargon in this film gets old after about 5 minutes, but we have to put up with it through the whole film. I seriously doubt the WPT players ever talk this. 2) Mike and Worm get the living daylights beat out of them at the state police game. Aside from a few scratches and some facial blood, they look great. Where's the swollen, black eye? The swollen, split lip? The contusions? The hematoma? Make up sucks in this film. 3) Final big scene - Mike is head to head with KGB. Mike needs to win at least "15 thou" to pay off Worm's debt and cover "the juice". Of course, he spots KGB's tell. He should have ignored it, he needs to win big time. But he calls KGB out. His narration indicates that he normally wouldn't so he could "bust him up all night, but he only has until morning". Stupid. If you need to win, you wouldn't expose a tell! 4) I don't like Counting Crows; lead singer's voice is whiny, melodies sound like adult nursery rhymes. Except for one song which is played during the credits. "Baby I'm a Big Star Now". Best song they ever did, great tune. However, it was never released. I have searched in vain, not a single, not on an album. Who in the world made that ridiculous business decision?

gavin6942 A young law school student (Matt Damon) is a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend (Edward Norton) pay off loan sharks.If there is a weak spot in this movie, it is John Malkovich. And I do not mean that as a slight against him, but really more against the casting. He is too well-known of an actor, it jumps out as obvious that he is not a Russian. If you can't get a real Russian, at least get Peter Stormare.Ed Norton does a fine supporting job. Not his best role, but even his lesser roles are still good. He is among the best. And Damon? He nails it. It doesn't seem so much like he's acting as just extending who he naturally is. But that's why it works, because it seems natural. He has the timing and delivery to sound like a sharp, witty huckster.

Python Hyena Rounders (1998): Dir: John Dahl / Cast: Matt Damon, Edward Norton, Gretchen Mol, Martin Landau, John Malkovich: Intriguing concept fueled the concept of living dishonestly and the paranoia that follows. Matt Damon plays an exceedingly good card player who gambles away his tuition money but vows to quit his addiction. Edward Norton is released from prison and Damon picks him up and decides to help him raise the 15, 000 that he owes. Fine setup pays little attention to subplots involving college and his relationship ties with a narrated conclusion that doesn't cut it. Tense directing by John Dahl who also made Red Rock West. Production is standard but the casting is strong. Damon is the film's best asset playing someone who once propelled by wrong and returns to it once again with consequences. What occurs eventually his his methods of using it to free himself. Norton plays someone motivated by wrong because that is where he emerges. His solution is to retreat. Gretchen Mol plays Damon's girlfriend who helped him beat his addiction but eventually must deal with his return the only way she can. John Malkovich steals moments competing with Damon and eating Oreo cookies. Much of her story is neglected or unnecessary but she plays it with superb results. Martin Landau has a small but pivotal role as generous law professor. Theme of self analysis comes up aces high. Score: 6 / 10