pastabatman
03-21-2005, 02:53 PM
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars (not worthless, but wish I hadn't bothered)
This movie was just released on DVD. I should first say that I knew very little about Stu Ungar before watching it, other than the fact that he won 3 WSOPs, had a serious gambling addiction, and died a lonely death. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting a 'feel-good' movie. What I did expect was some insight into his supposed genius and a glimpse of the high-stakes poker world. I got neither.
As told by the movie (and please chime in if this is wrong), Stu's life was miserable, beginning to end. He isn't shown as a particularly interesting person, aside from being a gin rummy prodigy at a very early age. We are -told- he won three WSOPs, but we are shown practically nothing of those events. You take away that, and all that is left is a depiction of a socially disfunctional man whose life is consumed by all forms of gambling. If that's all there is, I have to ask, is this a story worth telling?
The production itself is very sub-standard - lifeless dialogue, artless story telling, cheap sets, bad lighting, you name it. Mike Imperioli (Christopher of 'The Sopranos') plays Stu. He does a decent job, considering what he's got to work with. He seems to be very mis-used though, and fails to carry the movie.
The low-point of the movie (almost laughable) is Stu living the supposed 'high life', hanging out with his poker buddies in Vegas. One of the buddies is played by none other than (drum roll please) Vince Van Patten, co-host of WPT. Just the fact that this clown was chosen for this role tells you a lot about this movie. I was impressed by the amount of ham he was able to inject into his few lines.
Stu Ungar seems to be held in high regard, often regarded as a very gifted and tragic figure. I hope I haven't offended any fans or friends here. This is a review of the movie, not him. I would not be surprised if there is an interesting way to tell his story. I guess I'll have to read a biography, but, after seeing this movie, I'm much less inclined to do so.
Pasta
This movie was just released on DVD. I should first say that I knew very little about Stu Ungar before watching it, other than the fact that he won 3 WSOPs, had a serious gambling addiction, and died a lonely death. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting a 'feel-good' movie. What I did expect was some insight into his supposed genius and a glimpse of the high-stakes poker world. I got neither.
As told by the movie (and please chime in if this is wrong), Stu's life was miserable, beginning to end. He isn't shown as a particularly interesting person, aside from being a gin rummy prodigy at a very early age. We are -told- he won three WSOPs, but we are shown practically nothing of those events. You take away that, and all that is left is a depiction of a socially disfunctional man whose life is consumed by all forms of gambling. If that's all there is, I have to ask, is this a story worth telling?
The production itself is very sub-standard - lifeless dialogue, artless story telling, cheap sets, bad lighting, you name it. Mike Imperioli (Christopher of 'The Sopranos') plays Stu. He does a decent job, considering what he's got to work with. He seems to be very mis-used though, and fails to carry the movie.
The low-point of the movie (almost laughable) is Stu living the supposed 'high life', hanging out with his poker buddies in Vegas. One of the buddies is played by none other than (drum roll please) Vince Van Patten, co-host of WPT. Just the fact that this clown was chosen for this role tells you a lot about this movie. I was impressed by the amount of ham he was able to inject into his few lines.
Stu Ungar seems to be held in high regard, often regarded as a very gifted and tragic figure. I hope I haven't offended any fans or friends here. This is a review of the movie, not him. I would not be surprised if there is an interesting way to tell his story. I guess I'll have to read a biography, but, after seeing this movie, I'm much less inclined to do so.
Pasta