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DEAL on DVD

Starring: Burt Reynolds, Bret Harrison, Shannon Elizabeth and Jennifer Tilly

Directed by: Gil Cates, Jr.

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

By John Delia

Although slow moving, I found Deal an interesting movie. Those into gambling or slow paced dramas should get a kick out of it. There are a few twists, but the main one was predictable. Very limited on bonus features, but the main one, which features some Texas Hold’Em tips, is worth the watch.

The storyline of Deal involves two complete opposites, Tommy Vision (Reynolds) a retired card player who lost in the big time and Alex Stillman (Harrison) a hotshot poker playing college kid who really doesn’t have a clue about big stakes gaming. After Stillman comes in at a high level on a internet poker contest, Vision looks him up for a possible opportunity of being his protégé. When the boy starts to click, Vision decides that he should enter the World Series of Poker. But after a miscue by Vision, Stillman takes an unexpected turn leading to a face-off between the two.

The film plays out quite slow and methodical, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Reynolds is at his best putting on his Jack Homer (Boogie Nights) face, which mimics one of the best roles he has ever had. But that’s not enough to carry the insubstantial predictable film that shadows in the recent 21, which had a similar gambling plot. Harrison’s acting was rather weak and if he had upped his performance it could have made a difference. Although not in the film for very long, I enjoyed Jennifer Tilly’s bold look and sassy candor at the poker table.

Gates, Jr. who directed and wrote the film does not make his characters believable enough. Everything is too easy, the only conflicts are Vision’s wife who doesn’t project enough anger to show her unhappiness with the breaking of their 20 year agreement and Stillman’s father who looks like he is just reciting lines instead of providing the emotion over his son’s decisions that may ruin a projected law career.

The only bonus feature ‘Winning Big at Texas Hold’Em’ involves two world championship poker players; ladies champion Isabelle Mercier and men’s 2004 World Series of Poker champion Greg Raymer. The cool feature gives a quick education on Texas Hold’Em and bluffing.

The film does contain some drug use and a scene of presumed sex so be cautioned when viewing the film around children.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Deal is a fascinating film but folds to predictability.