The highly anticipated poker-themed crime thriller, Dead Money, is set to hit Video on Demand (VOD) and limited theaters on Friday, September 13. Directed by Luc Walpoth and written by poker aficionado Josh Wilcox, the film stars Emile Hirsch as Andy, a man caught in a high-stakes poker game while his and his girlfriend’s lives are on the line. Alongside Hirsch, the film boasts a talented cast including India Eisley, David Keith, Jack Earle Haley, Rory Culkin, and Peter Facinelli.

Dead Money follows Andy and Chloe (Eisley) as they find themselves embroiled in a chaotic 24 hours after a home poker game turns deadly following a robbery. With their lives in danger, Andy is forced into the biggest poker game of his life, setting up a nail-biting, fast-paced thriller.

A Poker Movie with Authenticity

Poker movies can be hit or miss, often falling short of capturing the true essence of the game. But Dead Money manages to rise above many poker films in the genre, striking a balance between thrilling narrative and authentic poker sequences. Josh Wilcox, a former poker grinder at Hustler Casino, penned a script that’s deeply grounded in poker reality.

Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times, a poker player himself, praised the film for its accuracy and authenticity, giving it a solid three out of four stars. “The sharp screenplay by Josh Wilcox nails the poker lexicon yet never gets so deep in the weeds that the non-player would be lost,” Roeper wrote, adding: “In a genre that is filled with movies that turn out to be busted hands when it comes to authenticity, Dead Money is a solid entry. This is a poker movie that gets it right.”

Roeper’s positive review comes as a relief to poker fans who have long waited for another genuine poker film, especially in the absence of the rumored Rounders 2. While Dead Money isn’t a pure poker film in the style of Rounders or Molly’s Game, it weaves poker into a tense crime thriller, evoking shades of Runner, Runner and The Card Counter.

Emile Hirsch Immerses Himself in the Game

At the heart of Dead Money is Emile Hirsch’s portrayal of Andy, a recreational poker player who finds himself out of his depth. Hirsch’s commitment to the role is evident in his performance, bolstered by his preparation for the film, which included playing high-stakes poker alongside pros. Hirsch worked closely with notable poker figures like Alan Keating, Nik Airball, and Ryan Feldman, who all helped him embody the poker lifestyle. In fact, Keating makes a cameo in the film, adding another layer of authenticity.

In a recent interview, Hirsch shared how deeply poker influenced his approach to the character, emphasizing how he wanted to capture the mindset of a player teetering on the edge of survival, both on and off the felt.

Stellar Cast and Standout Performances

While Hirsch anchors the film, he’s supported by an excellent cast. India Eisley delivers a solid performance as Chloe, while Rory Culkin and David Keith bring gravitas to their roles. Jackie Earle Haley shines as one of the film’s primary antagonists, adding a sense of menace to the narrative. And for those who remember him from the cult classic Can’t Hardly Wait, Peter Facinelli delivers moments of levity that break the tension in all the right ways.

Despite a brief cringe-worthy moment involving one of the female characters’ awkward poker analysis, the film largely excels in its portrayal of the poker world, with sharp dialogue and well-executed hands that will resonate with poker fans.

Verdict: A Must-Watch for Poker Fans

While Dead Money may not be the next Rounders, it stands as a strong poker-infused crime thriller that blends high-stakes action with the game we love. Poker players will appreciate the accuracy of the hands and the lexicon, while casual moviegoers will be swept up in the suspense of the plot.

For those looking for an entertaining poker-themed film that doesn’t veer into caricature, Dead Money is well worth the watch. I personally rate it 6 out of 10 stars – a solid film with well-executed poker moments and a gripping narrative. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a fun ride, especially for fans of the game.

So, mark your calendars for September 13 when Dead Money hits VOD and select theaters. Whether you’re a poker enthusiast or just a fan of crime thrillers, this film offers something for everyone.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 16th, 2024 at 5:10 am and is filed under Poker News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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