The Grand (2007)

Director:

Zak Penn

Writers (WGA):

Zak Penn (written by) &
Matt Bierman (written by)

Release Date:

4 April 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

A comedy about the fine art of losing

Plot:

An improvisational comedy using a handful of actors playing characters competing in an actual poker tournament. |

Plot Keywords:

Poker

Cast

Julie Claire	...	Dr. Jamie Sellers
David Cross	...	Larry Schwartzman
Shannon Elizabeth	...	Toni
Mike Epps	...	Reggie Marshall
Dennis Farina	...	L.B.J. Deuce Fairbanks
Judy Greer	...	Sharon Andrews
Woody Harrelson	...	One Eyed Jack Faro
Estelle Harris	...	Ruth 'Nana' Melvin
Werner Herzog	...	The German
Cheryl Hines	...	Lainie Schwartzman
Gabe Kaplan	...	Seth Schwartzman
Michael Karnow	...	Mike Werbe
Richard Kind	...	Andy Andrews
Michael McKean	...	Billionaire Steve Lavisch
Chris Parnell	...	Harold Melvin

Also Known As:

Untitled Zak Penn Project (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and some drug content.

Runtime:

104 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino - 129 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Company:

Insomnia Media Group

Trivia:

The script was barely 29 pages long. Zak Penn had the actors improvise.

Goofs:

Factual errors: Durring one hand, Phil Gordon announces that a K high Flush is the second best possible hand, and that only the A of diamonds can win. However, the board has both a pair of 8s and a pair of 2s, meaning any 2 or any 8 will make a full house, which beats a flush. Also pocket 8's or pocket 2's would make 4 of a kind which would beat a full house.

Quotes:

Harold Melvin: Maintain a perimeter, Ruth.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: (2008-03-22)" (2008)

I laughed so hard I snorted!

I don't find a lot of films very funny. The Grand made me laugh from beginning to end. I had no idea what to expect going into the film, but I can tell you that I cannot wait to see it again and have recommended it to everyone I know. The cast is outstanding. Woody Harrelson was completely in his element. From the opening credits I was immersed in this world of high stakes gambling, which really isn't so glamorous when you look at it from this angle. The Grand is going to be a cult classic. Zak Penn has done an exceptional job at taking talented actors, great characters and made a film that doesn't go where you expect it to. Thank you for great film making! The Grand is a breath of fresh air.