Poker Face movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Poker Face

This dramatic thriller releases in theaters on November 16, 2022 in theaters.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 35 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

Tech billionaire and gambler Jake Foley (Crowe) hosts a high-stakes poker game between childhood friends, offering them the chance to win more money than they’ve ever dreamed of. The evening takes a turn when he unveils his elaborate plan seeking revenge for their betrayals and to play, they’ll have to give up the one thing they’ve spent their lives trying to keep…their secrets. As the game unfolds, thieves break in and they must band together to survive a night of terror.

THINGS I LIKED:

Academy Award winner Russell Crowe is all in for this movie. He co-wrote the screenplay, directed the film, and stars in it.
The talented cast gives solid performances and includes Liam Hemsworth, RZA, Lynn Gilmartin, and more.
Liam has gained some weight and looks more like his famous brother than ever. In real life, the beautiful Elsa Pataky is married to Liam Hemsworth’s hunky brother, Chris Hemsworth, Thor himself! I love how Elsa’s character in this movie doesn’t hesitate for a second to try to kick bad-guy butt.
Some beautiful cinematography. We get to visit lovely Australia in the movie.
You might recognize the beautiful house that’s featured in the movie. It was also used for the film The Invisible Man. I’d love to travel the world as a location scout for movie studios!
There is some great wisdom shared in Act 3.
I loved how the ending tied in with a random moment from Act 1, as well as the title.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Act 1 is very slow-moving. A lot of the movie is kind of a snoozer. The most interesting action doesn’t take place until Act 3 in the last 20 minutes.
There’s a green screen moment that looked super fake.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be bored. So will some adults.
Lots of profanity, including F-bombs
Some crude conversations
A man experiences a drug-induced hallucination.
We see a woman’s naked backside.
We see dead, bloodied bodies
Guns
Someone drugs other people
Hand-to-hand combat and other violence
Alcohol and smoking various substances

THEMES:

Gambling
Addiction
Greed
Power
Death
Priorities
Family
Revenge
Forgiveness
Life journeys
Wisdom
Crime

FUNNY LINES:

None. This is a serious drama.

INTERESTING LINES:

“Opening up to yourself is one thing. Opening up to others may still be hard.” – Shaman Bill/Paje (Jack Thompson)
“On reflection, it’s been a gift.” – Jake (Russell Crowe)
“I’ve never been misguided in understanding that the way we’ve created opportunities for ourselves has an effect on the lives others.” – Jake (Russell Crowe)
“Paulie, you have to get out of politics. It’s not a healthy place.” – Jake (Russell Crowe)
“You’ll find that friendship and love start when you forgive imperfections.” – Jake (Russell Crowe)
“Don’t be glass half-empty or half-full people. Be the kind of people who know whatever trial or disaster comes along, you can always refill the glass.” – Jake (Russell Crowe)