Here is a movie with a lot of stars, both established and on the rise, that creates a fully believable world of lowly card-sharks, ex-cons, and a straight kid who is in the eye of the storm. Matt Damon is the young man and lead of a cast of actors, who are hidden behind the facade of their characters. This film easily could've been one of those all-star outings where we identify more with an actor's image than with what we are supposed to experience through the story. John Dahl, director of 1993's RED ROCK WEST, keeps the movie focused and does not allow it to stray into a morality play between Damon and his girlfriend (Gretchen Mol). My worst fears did not come true when the girlfriend was placed in the background and the real story involving the friendship between Damon and Norton was told.
Edward Norton is one of the best young actors of his generation. His character is aptly titled 'worm'. Damon proves again that he can play the lead effectively amongst a crowd of monster talent. Martin Landau plays the quiet, vulnerable professor, John Turturro the constant on-looker of the poker underbelly, but the most interesting performance comes from John Malkovich, playing a Russian card player who acts and speaks strangely, but happens to run the Russian mob. The key scenes do involve Norton and Damon. You never wonder why Damon keeps helping his paroled buddy. They seem as if they have been through tough times together.
ROUNDERS is also told in a Docu-drama style, showing us the way the games are played and the consequences you may face if you screw up. The cinematography is sharp and the movie as a whole is an enjoyable romp through this dangerous lifestyle that always seems to clean people out. Gambling is all these people know, thus they continue to make the "rounds".
Edward Norton is one of the best young actors of his generation. His character is aptly titled 'worm'. Damon proves again that he can play the lead effectively amongst a crowd of monster talent. Martin Landau plays the quiet, vulnerable professor, John Turturro the constant on-looker of the poker underbelly, but the most interesting performance comes from John Malkovich, playing a Russian card player who acts and speaks strangely, but happens to run the Russian mob. The key scenes do involve Norton and Damon. You never wonder why Damon keeps helping his paroled buddy. They seem as if they have been through tough times together.
ROUNDERS is also told in a Docu-drama style, showing us the way the games are played and the consequences you may face if you screw up. The cinematography is sharp and the movie as a whole is an enjoyable romp through this dangerous lifestyle that always seems to clean people out. Gambling is all these people know, thus they continue to make the "rounds".