Review of Hard Eight

Hard Eight (1996)
8/10
Perfect Gritty Love Story
11 July 2017
Professional gambler Sydney teaches John the tricks of the trade. John does well until he falls for cocktail waitress Clementine.

Paul Thomas Anderson consistently makes good movies. And, as this film reveals, he always has. This is a debut feature film that comes across like the work of a seasoned professional. Great casting, great plot, and perfect pacing that keeps everything moving forward. It is not a crime story so much as a love story, but hides it so well in the world of crime that you never even notice.

Credit must really go to John C. Reilly. Although his role (John) was not necessarily the strongest character in the film, Reilly does a great job with him. Although he is mostly known these days for his comedy work, this is proof that he is far more than just a comedian.
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