Cold Deck

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.

Watching this movie kept me glued to the screen from start to finish. The characters were very well constructed and the dialog really strong. The cast were well chosen, the story interesting and I particularly like the focus into the dangers of gambling. Very well directed productions of simple tales make very easy watching. This is one of them.

I don't know what to write. I don't know where to start.

I'll start with this. I like a gamble. But Cold Deck is my new addiction. If you love a laugh out loud comedy. Cold Deck is definitely the hand for you!!

Gather your tissues ladies and Gents. This is a ride not to be missed. It has everything. Over sized poker tables, bad guys wearing brown socks, Cheap one-liners, A bookie bedding Dame, High-octane action, a scratch card gone wrong, a good guy gone stupid, a living room turned Gambling racket and a very large Birthday cake.

Mix it all together with that Mob boss from Goodfellas and you have your perfect comedy!!

This flick is not just worth a watch, no! It's worth praying too! Enjoy responsibly.

Stéfano Gallo (Bobby) plays a down and out gambler and Kjartan Hewitt (Ben) his partner in crime always hoping for the big money. As in all gambling ventures, the house always wins, these two try to play into the high rollers and lose badly every time until and old buddy of Bobby's father sets up a heist to get all the money they need (for the time being, thing is, you never have enough as a gambler no matter how much you ever win). Lots of gambling table poker action, a big twist after the heist, and another at the end. You'd think Bobby who has a knockout girlfriend (Jessica Sipos, Kim) would just get a decent job and live life. A good watch, some violence, no gore, lots of foul language, nothing questionable, The players look like stereotype gamblers from old Vegas style movies. An OK watch, would see this again. Enjoy!

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.