emineric

stuey unger was a card playing legend. he was quoted in an interview as saying, "Some day, I suppose it's possible for someone to be a better No Limit Hold'em player than me. I doubt it, but it could happen. But, I swear to you, I don't see how anyone could ever play gin better than me." there's a gin rummy scene in this movie that is so amazing you could have plopped it in 'X-Men' as a showcase for a superhero's mutant power. that's how incredible this man was.

i have a few minor problems with this movie. as dark as this movie was, stuey's real life was darker. poker pro todd brunson said, "During the last World Series of poker, Bob Stupak, Mike Sexton and I had a drink and talked about Stu. Mike told us how he could barely talk, hadn't showered in weeks and how his fingers were burned black by a crack pipe." in the film, michael imperioli looked far too healthy to be stu unger in the final years of his life. when stuey won his last wsop he looked like a skeleton, but let's face it, this production lacked both the time and the "deniro" to make that kind of transformation. my other problem was that i wish there was more poker playing, with actual hands and situations. sure it might have bored the average non poker enthusiast, but it would have been nice for the hardcores. too bad the movie wasn't 6 hours or so longer.

i watched the movie with 3 non poker players and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. just like you don't have to be a former member of the colonial army to enjoy Gibson's "the patriot", you don't have to be a poker player to see this gem. can't wait for the DVD. (8 out of 10)

honestly the main character reminded me more of a belushi than a masterless swordsman. the action was short, fast, and not good. the only redeeming quality was the main character was always calm and controlled even when confronted. i will not be renting the sequel. i give it 5 out of 10.

if you don't think the undynamic duo of Janeane Garofalo and David Hyde Pierce can carry a movie you are most likely correct. throw in paul rudd molly shannon and that funny guy from the state and still not impressed? me either. but do not let that jerrick deter you from seeing this film. it has some of the wittiest dialogue and funniest most random scenes i've EVER seen. witness the virgin camp counselor who drives 2 hours to a river for a rafting trip with the campers, run home in time-bending fashion whilst being chased by a friend on a motorcycle and making a chariots of firesque slow motion leap over a barrel of hay just to see his girlfriend. also watch for michael ian black(the state guy) in the ending of the capture the flag sequence.....his running form should be legendary. funnier than lloyd christmas' technique at the end of dumb and dumber. the atmosphere is great(80's style clothes and hair), campers perish and counselors couldn't care less, and if you want to learn how to make out with a girl paul rudd will teach you. pay attention, movies like this come around maybe once or twice a decade. if you liked the sarcasm in heathers, you'll love this. if you don't know what heathers is you are a moron and should redeem yourself by going out right now and renting it along with this movie for the greatest double feature of your life.

in conclusion: the end.