Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game (2017)

Dr. Abe Mandelbaum has just moved into a new manor with his ailing wife. After forming an unlikely friendship with a womanizing gambler, their relationship is tested when they each try to ... See full summary »

Director:

Howard Weiner (as Howard L. Weiner)

Writer:

Howard Weiner (as Howard L. Weiner)

Stars:

Martin Landau, Paul Sorvino, Maria Dizzia

Cast

Credited cast:
Martin Landau	...	Abe
Paul Sorvino	...	Phil
Maria Dizzia	...	Angela
Pamela Dubin	...	Sheryl
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Molly Bettencourt	...	Young Jeannie
John Cellini	...	Young Billy
Alexander Cook	...	Grollman
Anabel Graetz	...	The Woman and Old Woman
Elaine Victoria Grey	...	Resident, Assisted Living
London Hall	...	Office Staff
Tori Hall	...	Young Resident
Kayla Harrity	...	Jessica
Kate Jurdi	...	Receptionist
Lyralen Kaye	...	Sister Elizabeth
Wayne Malm Jr.	...	Young Resident

Storyline

Dr. Abe Mandelbaum has just moved into a new manor with his ailing wife. After forming an unlikely friendship with a womanizing gambler, their relationship is tested when they each try to convince a mysterious nurse that they are her long-lost father.

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Taglines:

It's never too late for life.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

The bar scene was filmed at The Grog in Newburyport. Originally, the scene was written to take place at Fenway Park, but was later changed.

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Soundtracks

Ain't Life Grand
Written by Jeff Meegan and Gaye Tolan Hatfield

User Reviews

more blush than flush

Greetings again from the darkness. There really isn't an age where one's level of horniness is of interest to the outside world. The topic is certainly cringe-inducing as we listen in on two old men bemoaning their current state of dysfunction, while simultaneously recalling their glorious past conquests. Were these two gents played by lesser actors than screen legends Martin Landau and Paul Sorvino, there would be no need to tune in.

Writer/director Howard Weiner (a Neurologist and Harvard professor - thanks Google) delivers his first narrative feature film as a statement on old age, pride and dying. In Mr. Landau's final film, he plays Dr. (not Mister!) Abe Mandelbaum (I'm giving credit as a "Seinfeld" reference, whether intentional or not), who, along with his dementia-riddled wife Molly (Ann Marie Shea), moves into Cliffside Manor - a Retirement Center and Nursing Home. Abe quickly bonds with fellow resident Phil (Mr. Sorvino) as the two exchange dirty jokes and tales of yesteryear.

The other story line involves a nurse (Maria Dizzia, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE) who has reason to believe the biological father she's never met is a resident at the manor. The obvious development is whether Abe or the notoriously womanizing Phil might be her father. Other minor story lines include the center's director (Alexander Cook) who admittedly hates old people as he searches for a miracle potion to prevent his own aging, Molly's struggle with dementia which can only be soothed with her fur coat or relief in bed, and a last hurrah field trip to a local sports bar with the nurse, Abe and Phil.

If not for the vulgarities and three of the most uncomfortable sex scenes you've likely ever witnessed, this would have been a textbook Lifetime Channel movie. Watching two pros like Mr. Landau and Mr. Sorvino go at each other is quite a treat - though you best enjoy old men talking about sex, as the subtleties of pride, masculinity and self-identity of men are mere afterthoughts here. Oscar winner Landau (ED WOOD) deserved a send-off more in line with Harry Dean Stanton's LUCKY, but fortunately he has a 60 year career as his legacy.

Details

Official Sites:

Website for film

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 April 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Last Poker Game

Filming Locations:

Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Long Road Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Color:

Color