Deal (I) (2008)

As an ex-gambler teaches a hot-shot college kid some things about playing cards, he finds himself pulled into the world series of poker, where his protégé is his toughest competition.

Director:

Gil Cates Jr.

Writers:

Gil Cates Jr. (screenplay), Marc Weinstock (screenplay)

Stars:

Burt Reynolds, Bret Harrison, Shannon Elizabeth

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Burt Reynolds	...	Tommy Vinson
Bret Harrison	...	Alex Stillman
Shannon Elizabeth	...	Michelle
Maria Mason	...	Helen Vinson
Gary Grubbs	...	Mr. Stillman
Caroline McKinley	...	Mrs. Stillman
Charles Durning	...	Charlie Adler
Brandon Olive	...	Ben Thomas
Jennifer Tilly	...	Karen 'Razor' Jones
Jon Eyez	...	Mike 'Double Diamond' Jackson (as Jon 'JT' Eyes)
J.D. Evermore	...	Tex Button
Mike Sexton	...	Himself (as Michael Sexton)
Vincent Van Patten	...	Himself
Phil Laak	...	Himself
Antonio Esfandiari	...	Himself

Storyline

Law school graduate Alex Stillman isn't happy as junior clerk in his domineering father's firm but finds distraction as highly gifted Internet poker player. Legendary Tommy Vinson, who retired 20 years ago for his wife's sake, successfully offers to coach Alex for half of the fortunate he can learn to win in Las Vegas. The training, focusing on bluffing and dirty tricks, goes well until Alex feels abused by a girl hired by Vinson. They end up both entering the world tour grand final.

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Plot Keywords:

mentor | adolescent | gambling | bare chested male | poker player | 

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Taglines:

Know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em. The game is on!

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content and brief drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 June 2008 (Germany)

Also Known As:

A Arte do Jogo

Filming Locations:

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$35,281 (USA) (25 April 2008)

Gross:

$57,180 (USA) (2 May 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Seven Arts Pictures, Tag Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

For the film's climax, the World Poker Tour set was shipped to New Orleans for filming.

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Goofs

During the WPT Championship sequence, Commentators Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten call the play from the start of the tournament to it's finish. This never happens with WPT coverage. In the WPT T.V. episodes, Sexton and Van Patten only commentate on the final table coverage.

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Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Episode dated 26 April 2008 (2008)

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Soundtracks

"Anxious"
Written & Performed by Kenneth Burgomaster

User Reviews

Good for a TV movie!

It feels like it would be more at home on the small screen rather than cinemas, There really isn't any suspense or tension. It tries, but never delivers. the movie's box office explain it all: the film cost $5 million to make, grossed less than $100,000 in theatrical release!! what a disaster, But I think "deal" was not that awful neither good, Had some good scenes like the scenes which take place at the poker table are very entertaining and well made. But if you don't like poker, you'll find this flick boring and the plot really stupid. The storyline was so predictable, I think a child could write that story! and got Burt Reynolds a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actor!! HAHAHA thats tremendous, He's not deserving it!