Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game (2017) User Reviews

more blush than flush

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 8 January 2018]

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.

goings on at the nursing home

[ksf-2 · 6/10 · 3 January 2022]

Abe and phil (martin landau, paul sorvino) are old timers in the nursing home. They have conversations about what life was like before the home, and after moving in. A dose of reality. The real life interactions with the people living and working there; one wants to find her biological parents, another can't stop thinking about having sex. This guy thinks he has found a way to stop aging. Phil and abe take a field trip to a pub. And to angela's house, just to get away. The usual and unusual antics going on in a nursing home, with some wacky adventures thrown in. This moves pretty slowly, as expected, but the characters are likeable. With quite a bit of humor and sadness mixed in. Written and directed by howard weiner. His other big project was what is life, but not much info out there on it.

Real- so no- not pretty.

[rjb-38322 · 6/10 · 8 May 2023]

It's not a pretty film. It's hard to watch at times. Reality is not pretty. Getting old is not pretty. Life is hard. I hope you don't get old, but in case you do- or you love somebody who is- you might want to watch this. Great Actors- great acting- an interesting side story concerning the staff. I guess plot to fill in the blunt realities of the nursing home experience. I'm sure the staff of nursing homes have their own lives. And I'm sure not all nursing homes are this well managed and I'm sure there are some/many horror stories out there, but this is a good view of how many of the better ones are run and the daily things that go on in them. Old men with memories and regrets- the end of life. The dirty, the nasty, the sick, the ill, the work No- not that pleasant- maybe not even entertaining, but certainly real. We don't want real in our movies- we want fantasy. We don't want to watch how things are- we want watch what we wish they were. Sound track- Scenery- camera-could have been better, but not terrible.

Its merit is its bluntness

[Frame-By-Frame · 9/10 · 19 March 2018]

This is an unusual movie that I know will provoke a very mixed response from fellow reviewers. Some will just give the movie a wide berth due to it's subject. First of all, I've just watched it and really enjoyed it. On one level it is my favorite movie of the year, partly because it was so much better than I expected. The Movie was written, directed and co produced by Howard Weiner. A Professor of Neurology by career and a pioneer of some treatment of multiple sclerosis. Wow, so we're talking a very intelligent man with an artistic ambition to create a good movie. He's just done it. I think his knowledge of real patient behavior and human interaction shines through in this story and sets it apart from the usual Hollywood take on life. There's lots going on here enough to more than fill the 85 minute run time with interest. The acting and direction are superb. Martin Landau and Paul Sorvino handle some very cringe-worthy and awkward scenes really well. Sadly this movie will never get the acclaim I think it deserves due to a limited number audience and viewers that are just too uncomfortable watching seniors discussing and doing the things that they themselves think and do. Thank you Howard Weiner for an enjoyable 85 minutes and for cementing my memory of the late Martin Landau as a wonderful talented actor. My rating: 9 out of 10 Highly recommended - Be open minded and give it a go. We're all human and unfortunately are going to get old along with all the changes that brings!

Brilliant swan song for Martin Landau

[TheDome81 · 9/10 · 11 August 2021]

This film could be subtitled "Martin Landau's Last Movie" for that's precisely what it is. I grew up watching "Mission Impossible" in the 1960s and Martin Landau played one of the coolest characters on TV. Everyone I knew wanted to be like him. So it was a bit shocking to see him years later in Woody Allen's "Crimes and Misdemeanors" where he played a successful ophthalmologist who has his wife bumped off. And gets away with it! I know he's been in quite a few movies over the years, and when I saw he was in this one, I had to see it. What a pleasant surprise.

In his swansong film, Landau plays Dr. Abe Mandelbaum, a retired doctor who has decided to sell his home and move into an assisted living facility with his wife. He's a kindly, intelligent, and fairly reserved older gentleman. His wife Molly suffers from dementia and is usually fairly normal. Every once in a while she has a panic attack and can only be comforted by wrapping herself in her favorite fur coat.

Abe soon meets Phil (Paul Sorvino) who's quite a character. Phil was a gambler and real lady's man in his day and loves to brag about his many conquests. The two become fast friends and it's amusing to hear them talk about sex. Abe is somewhat shocked at how frank Phil is but eventually opens up. I have to admit; there are a couple of cringe-worthy scenes.

As Abe starts getting comfortable at the facility, Angela (Maria Dizzia) a new nurse befriends Phil and Abe. She's an orphan and is looking for her biological father. Angela was given a mysterious note that indicates he's actually living in the assisted living center. When they get wind of the situation, they're convinced they're the long-lost father.

It's a heart-warming little film that offers several delightful surprises. And as you'd expect, the acting is superb. I'm not sure how many other actors could pull it off quite as well. While there is a bit of a melancholy feel to it, ultimately it's an hour and a half of satisfying movie viewing. As a side note: the movie was written, directed, and co produced by Howard Weiner, who is a Professor of Neurology. Nice work, Prof!

Highly recommend this movie

[pkaptein · 10/10 · 1 May 2019]

Captures an amazing performance from two award winning actors.

If you get emotional......make sure you have some kleenex nearby

[dennisrockot · 10/10 · 9 July 2023]

I did not know what to expect from this movie when I decided to watch it, but I sure am glad I decided to. I share some similarities with some of the characters and boy did it strike home with me. PLEASE watch this movie and it will help you appreciate people who are alone near the end of their lives. I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this movie. The acting was excellent and it should evoke many different emotions in older people. I would hope that it will help younger people see some of the situations you can get yourself into early in life that can revisit you unexpectedly as you grow older..

A Beautiful Film

[buzz-143 · 10/10 · 30 March 2023]

Title: Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game Director: Howard L. Weiner Cast: Martin Landau, Paul Sorvino, Maria Dizzia

In "Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game," a heartwarming and bittersweet drama, the late Martin Landau and the ever-talented Paul Sorvino deliver poignant performances as two elderly men who form an unlikely friendship in a nursing home. Directed by Howard L. Weiner, the film presents a tender exploration of friendship, love, and the realities of aging. With its stellar cast, which includes Maria Dizzia, "Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game" offers a touching portrayal of the human spirit and the importance of companionship in the twilight years of life.

Martin Landau, an accomplished actor known for his roles in "North by Northwest" (1959), "Crimes and Misdemeanors" (1989), and his Academy Award-winning performance in "Ed Wood" (1994), gives a deeply moving performance as Dr. Abe Mandelbaum, a retired physician who moves into a nursing home with his ailing wife. Landau's portrayal of Abe is characterized by vulnerability and tenderness, providing a touching representation of an elderly man grappling with the challenges of aging and a rapidly deteriorating spouse.

Paul Sorvino, best known for his performances in "Goodfellas" (1990) and "Romeo + Juliet" (1996), plays the charming and gregarious Phil Nicoletti, a long-term resident of the nursing home. Sorvino's ability to bring warmth and humor to the role of Phil creates a compelling character that perfectly complements Landau's more subdued performance. The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable, making their on-screen friendship both believable and endearing.

Maria Dizzia, an actress recognized for her roles in "Martha Marcy May Marlene" (2011) and "While We're Young" (2014), plays the compassionate and dedicated nurse, Angela. Dizzia delivers a heartfelt performance that highlights the emotional demands of her profession, as well as the profound impact that her patients have on her life. Her interactions with both Landau and Sorvino are genuine and serve to further humanize the story.

The film's script, written by director Howard L. Weiner, tells a story of friendship, love, and acceptance that transcends the limitations of age. With its delicate exploration of the themes of aging and loss, "Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game" serves as a powerful reminder of the value of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game" is a deeply touching and poignant film that showcases the extraordinary talents of Martin Landau, Paul Sorvino, and Maria Dizzia. With its masterful storytelling and exceptional performances, this film provides a heartwarming exploration of the human experience and the power of friendship during life's most challenging moments. A must-watch for those seeking a sensitive and thought-provoking portrayal of aging, love, and companionship.

Streaming on Free Movie Channel on Roku.

Landau and Sorvino dealing with age and dying

[deadbull-95171 · 8/10 · 20 July 2021]

Two great actors giving this topic a go. Age is about loss. You might gain wisdom, but like the most memorable line in 'Angel Heart'.... What good is wisdom when it brings no profit to the wise?' And what ancient wise man wouldn't trade it all for ten minutes of good sex? But I guess you need to be old and wise to be wise enough to even know that is absolutely a universal truth.

Or maybe loss is a type of gain. You lose the BS and stop conning and trying to impress everyone else and most importantly, you can't lie to yourself. There isn't any point and certainly isn't any time. If you have cancer is their some reason to lie to your Doctor about it? Or your closest friend?

And to me that's what this film's about. How age abbreviates our expression and brings it closer to who we really are, more like children in that sense, but tempered with the previously mentioned human illusion of wisdom.

The title and sub theme that forms the synopsis, the 'plot' exists as an excuse to wrap the real substance of the film around. The friendship of Martin and Sorvino. It's about trying to live when your dying , and wishing you were dead because of the pain of living. It's comical and ultimately sad, and both of these gifted older older actors bring plenty of authority to their parts.

An absolutely worthwhile movie trying to deal with the most ultimate and universal experience of lives in a far more down to earth way then a good movie like 'Bucket List.'