Seven Times Lucky (2004)

An aging con-man and a beautiful, ambitious student cross paths in a scam that promises to make them both rich.

Director:

Gary Yates

Writer:

Gary Yates

Stars:

Kevin Pollak, Liane Balaban, Jonas Chernick

4 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Kevin Pollak	...	Harlan
Liane Balaban	...	Fiona
Jonas Chernick	...	Sonny
James Tolkan	...	Dutch
Aleks Paunovic	...	Sacco
Babs Chula	...	Eddie (as Babz Chula)
Gordon Tootoosis	...	Mr. Five Wounds
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tom Anniko	...	Bartender
Mike Bell
Ryan Rajendra Black	...	Five Wounds "Nephew" (as Ryan Black)
John Bluethner	...	Francois
Paul Christie	...	Police Officer
Allan Wallace Dunkeld	...	Hooded Thief
Ernesto Griffith	...	Kurt the Dealer
Robert Huculak	...	Lanky Gambler

Storyline

Christmas on the Canadian prairie: Harlan, a small-time grifter, plans a big con with his moll Fiona, scraggly and half his age. Expensive watches "on loan" from a jeweler, cash borrowed at a high vig from a tribal fund manager, and an old violin are props in the con; a pawnbroker with a safe full of money and various well-armed or well-protected thugs get their ores in as well. Problems, crosses, and double-crosses mount: Harlan finds himself on the stick's short end as the night progresses. Whose money will end up where? And for whom will this be a silent night?

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Plot Keywords:

night | con | violin | thug | safe | 

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Taglines:

You only con the ones you love.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

There is purposely no discernible timeframe for the movie. There are '70s and '80s cars and rotary dial phones coupled with the latest cellphones.

User Reviews

Simply terrific!

What's with the ratings system on IMDb? You look at the vote tally & it's 6.6 median & 7+ average but they mark it 5.4 on the movie site. What = only a few key players votes count?? Anyway this movie blows anything done by Hollywood (or "indie") hacks in about 30 or 40 years. Outsmarts Mamet at his guessing games. Outpaces Soderbergh at his capering best. Outstyles the Coens by a couple galaxies. And hey, the sets don't have that cookie cutter Metropolitan Home look the Hollywood & indie flicks all subscribe to.

The plot is wonderful, the acting by everyone is phenomenal. This movie will keep you guessing (& catching you breath) right up to & including the last frame.

Simply terrific! 10 for 10

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Seven Times Lucky

Filming Locations:

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Buffalo Gal Pictures, Lucky Pictures, Minds Eye Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min 82 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color