Cold Deck

A movie about poker which is not actually about poker. With a lead that is a brilliant poker player -- only he's not. This film wants to do everything, while succeeding at nearly nothing. The writing is mostly flaws, clichés and fraudulent ambitions. It's all there: the handsome lead, the pretty damsel, the goofy friend, the go-crazy villain with his trademark axe-musket (?), and a plot which tricks you into thinking is about cards, while it's all about plot holes, bad dialogues, scenes we've seen a thousand times before and, mainly, plot gimmicks failing at the start line.

If this movie contains even a hint of authenticity, it's because of Paul Sorvino and Robert Knepper. Given the script they had to work with, they did the best they had.

A few yeas ago I used to play a lot of poker, online and otherwise, so I may have a different take on this movie than most. To start off, I liked the movie overall. I'm not too sure what all the negative reviews are about.

Let's start with the lead actor, Stefano Gallo. He plays Bobby, a down on his luck player who just can't seen to do anything right. He steal from his sick mother in order to play more poker. He is an unlikable character, but guess what, there are plenty of unlikable people in the gambling world. Not all movies characters have to be likable. If Paul Rudd was in the lead this would probably be a different film.

And Gallo does an admirable job; it is really hard to root for his character because he plays a bastard so well.

Next, let's talk about the plot. Yes, it is similar to many other "gambling films" that have come out in the past. Rounders, 21, Runner Runner, etc; they all have similar plots. What Cold Deck does not have is their budget. For a small budget film director, Zack Bernbaum, does a solid job.

Paul Sorvino delivers a great performance as Chips, the "kingpin" of this particular group of lowlifes. He is essentially playing the Teddy KGB role in this film.

Nearly all gambling films share many of the same plot points so aspects of this film will seem familiar. The only difference between Cold Deck and the others is the budget. So, I will recommend this film for those of us who like gambling stories and who like seeing character who are flawed but still human.

I really don't understand all the bad reviews on this movie. Though it's not going to win any Academy award for best acting, I thought it was a very interesting story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The acting was not top caliber, but it was not that bad either.

I've seen a few gambling movies that I enjoyed more, but this was still some thing I would recommend for anyone that likes that type of movie.

I didn't think it was predictable or full of clichés like others have reviewed.

So don't let all the bad reviews, spoil your chance to watch this. It wasn't too long drawn out.

Some of the reviewers say it must be people involved in the film given it a good rating, but don't fall for that. Give it a try yourself.

Picked up this DVD at the 99cent store surprise impulse buy; This film to me had a certain charm and maverick independent film spirit to it; I loved the nuance and use of cutaways of city materials like simple poles and banisters as we set up for the scene; nice touches that you'll know what i'm talking about when you see it. Well casted & Impressive performances overall and all around; (w one obvious known figure in Paul Sorvino) Excellent location and post sound mix.

I enjoyed it and am a little surprised to see the number of negative reviews. It's a kool indie flick definitely worth stumbling upon.

(the poker scenes felt fresh to me; it wasn't like re-watching john malkovich play matt damon in rounders; there's some fresh angles here).

I recently had the pleasure of screening a Canadian independent film called "Cold Deck". I must say that it is a definite recommend.

"Cold Deck" follows a down on his luck poker player who has time and time again come up short in his underground playing pursuits, so much so that he has wrecked his sick mother's bank account. In an effort to win back his losses, help his mother and leave the game for good, he takes the offer of a boss to completely unravel a high stakes, underground game with a can't lose plan.

Initially, one would liken this to other high stakes card game films like "21" or "Rounders", but "Cold Deck" stands on its own, mostly due to lead actor and co-writer Stefano Gallo. His portrayal as the everyman is authentic and seemingly effortless. Often, an actor playing this type of character would be persuaded to overact or play with an unrealistic degree of intensity. Gallo does not succumb to that pressure. I was unfamiliar with his previous work before viewing this film, but I am definitely planning to seek out ways to watch his other performances.

Gallo is aided by top talent Paul Sorvino, who fans will recognize from "Good Fellas", "Romeo + Juliet" and "Law & Order". Sorvino plays the character Chip, who offers Gallo's character a way to cash in with one last score.

The writing is intelligent, the acting is superb and the drama and suspense is plentiful in this high stakes thriller. I definitely recommend anyone who is a fan of good movies to seek this one out.