Deal (I) (2008) User Reviews

Burt Showing his age...

[stephengraley · 5/10 · 15 April 2008]

It would appear from the comments that this is the worst movie in history !!!!, well its not really. I am not going to say its award winning material because it is not. I watched the movie from start to finish and not once did i look at my watch thinking isn't it about time this finished.

Burt is looking old which is a shame as to me he will always be JJ from Cannonball Run with Capt Chaos (Dom DeLuise) for Company. Shannon Elizabeth is totally wasted, looked good though and why Jennifer Tilly was in this movie was beyond me.

the story was predictable with no great surprises. I could have written the finale 30 minutes into the film however it does keep you captivated. I felt you actually cared about the characters which is pretty unusual.

Watch it, enjoy it, forget about it would be my advice.

It looks like ANOTHER ad for a poker conglomerate

[intelearts · 3/10 · 10 April 2008]

Another dud poker film.

Why? Two main reasons; firstly, it does not look and feel like film. The script is really lazy: where was the REAL education, where was something we haven't seen a thousand times before. It is no way and at no time touches the heart and soul of the game. Plus it just looks and feels like a TV made movie: there is no attempt to use film to compliment the story, the grading, lighting, editing etc; are some of the most unoriginal I've seen for a while (And don't get me started on Reynold's hairpiece).

And secondly, and for my money this is incredibly off putting the whole film reeks of being an ad for a poker company and its site - there is just no integrity, and not enough fun, excitement, or film here.

The positives are the chemistry between the leads is good and that makes it just viewable for a really lazy beer and pizza night...

But it's really just 90 minutes of regurgitated slick willy crap.

Hugely disappointing, the best thing about this was the trailer....

Quite nice

[steelyden · 31 January 2008]

I saw this film last night and I liked it. Burt Reynolds was the right choice for the part and Bret Harrison was convincing. In spite of a basic storyline they took the poker-concept serious. Shannon Elizabeth's part is what surprised me the most, I will not spoil it for anyone, it was just something else. It has been a while since her last film and I have to say she still has her man-enchanting skills.

So in a nutshell: A nice, OK movie with a sort of debuting Bret Harrison, a Burt Reynolds right in it's place and a comeback for Shannon Elizabeth which is definitely worth a watch, especially for pokerfans. I hope to see more of Bret and Shannon.

Honey, I Mucked My Aces

[refinedsugar · 6/10 · 12 September 2023]

In 2008, poker was still red hot and going strong. Online hadn't got shutdown in the US yet (Black Friday), WSOP, WPT were doing a ton of tournaments with heavy tv coverage, fanfare & press. Everyone wanted to jump on the bandwagon, cash-in on the action - Hollywood included - leading to this relatively low budget entry "Deal". It has some moments card fans will enjoy, but also a healthy helping of funny cheese.

Alex (Bret Harrison) in his last year of university studying law likes to play poker, but it's his success online that allows him to be a part of a final table as it's played on national tv. His inexperience gets him eliminated, but he catches the eye of the once legendary poker player Tommy Vinson (Burt Reynolds) who thinks he can make the kid into a champion. He shows him the ropes, teach him lessons to be a better player in a 50/50 arrangement, but a blowup along the way sees the two separate only for a showdown at the final table of a WPT tournament with a multi-million dollar payout.

Burt sporting an obvious wig, getting up there in age is still fun to watch as Tommy - a man who hasn't played a hand in "over twenty years" after going busto and nearly losing his wife - who wants back into the game. Harrison holds his own and Shannon Elizabeth provides the eye candy in a few appearances while also providing a rather silly, but unpleasant surprise.

Made in collaboration with the WPT, 'Deal' feels cheap at times given it's budget. Purports to take place in big US gambling cities, but obviously shot all in one place. However if you enjoy the game of poker there's a few things here to enjoy. They don't do a bad job of capturing the game of no limit hold 'em and many pros & a few celebrities show up doing cameos. There's a few unintentional laughs and no getting over the fact the last second reveal is ridiculous though.

A waste of time

[sackjigler · 2/10 · 24 April 2008]

This is not in any way, shape, or form, a good film. It is your typical run of the mill story only played much worse than normal. I guess it's nice that they got a few real poker players in this, but that's all that is worth mentioning. It's already been said, but Shannon Elizabeth is in it for about 5 minutes and then they just do away with her character completely. Burt Reynolds is grabbing another paycheck and the main character is not at all convincing. If he is supposed to be that good, how come everyone knew what he had at the end. This movie is just weak, i wouldn't waste your time. Go ahead and rent Rounders or even Lucky You if you want a better poker film.

Would have forgiven, if it wasn't THAT bad!

[osinsh-2 · 1/10 · 5 February 2008]

Every time now and then we see some new poker related title, what is very understandable with all that "Americas last gold rush" going on all over the place.

And every time I hope there will be something decent. But no - except "Rounders" there isn't anything worth your time and money.

I am not talking about poker content even (which is truly horrifying in the sense of realities of the game world and poker as such). The story is as good as the baddest chick-flick may go in the terms of straightforward storyline that goes as far as "A man got into train in the city A. Rode for an hour. Got off in the city B. The end". "Donk-flick", if you wish. Acting looks like someone intentionally wanted to make this film as "seconds-grade-project lookalike".

Do Hollywood is out of professional actors? The only worst poker movie could be "Lucky You".

To sum it up - this movie is good only for one reason - we see Shannon's sexy ass in tight panties for a second. That's all. There's nothing more.

It's pretty rough

[ametallicaman1989 · 4/10 · 23 July 2019]

If you play poker, this movie will make you cringe. It's kind of like you get embarrassed just watching it. Like people said it's not in the same field as Rounders. It's not even as good as lucky you. Which I thought had a few cringey moments of dialogue. But overall still much better than this. The grand is a worthwhile movie over this aswell as a comedy with a poker story. Anyways, the acting is very subpar. The lead character just isnt super likeable. Probably stems from me just being turned off by the script. Poker movies will generally have some of the same formats and story lines to some extent. That's why execution, acting, and dialogue is so important and this movie falls short. All in all just keep rewatching Rounders. And maybe occasionally throw in lucky you and the grand for your poker movie fix.

EXTREMELY Predictable

[gbulmash · 3/10 · 15 January 2010]

Burt Reynolds plays a retired poker player who quit after losing his nerve and all his money. He's been out of the game for 20 years.

Brett Harrison is the up and coming young shark with natural talent, but a lot to learn. Burt offers to stake and coach him for a piece of the action... Sounding familiar yet? I don't need to tell you the rest of the plot because you should be able to figure it out for yourself. There are NO surprises in this movie. None.

Meanwhile, the stars sleepwalk through a script that presents no challenges.

According to IMDb's data, the film cost $5 million to make, grossed less than $100,000 in theatrical release, and got Burt Reynolds a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actor.

'Nuff said?

Good for a TV movie!

[meanmaan · 4/10 · 5 November 2010]

It feels like it would be more at home on the small screen rather than cinemas, There really isn't any suspense or tension. It tries, but never delivers. the movie's box office explain it all: the film cost $5 million to make, grossed less than $100,000 in theatrical release!! what a disaster, But I think "deal" was not that awful neither good, Had some good scenes like the scenes which take place at the poker table are very entertaining and well made. But if you don't like poker, you'll find this flick boring and the plot really stupid. The storyline was so predictable, I think a child could write that story! and got Burt Reynolds a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actor!! HAHAHA thats tremendous, He's not deserving it!

predictable and underdeveloped

[therica · 14 April 2009]

Very poorly developed, the movie simply jumps into poker and fails to ever develop its characters or any interest in them.

If you're a poker fan you'll probably enjoy watching this fictional version of World Tournament of Poker et al.

But again, it's fictional, and apparently an opportunity for several big-name washed-out actors (Burt Reynolds, Jennifer Tilly) to get a job.

But since it's fictional and the characters are simply pretend, there's nothing in this movie that causes your empathy or excitement to root for them, unfortunately.

What a bum-deal.

Creaky, worn-out drama

[Buddy-51 · 4/10 · 13 September 2010]

"Deal" is the oldie about the retired card shark - who's sworn off the game for love of a good woman - who serruptitiously takes a promising young whippersnapper under his wing to train him in the fine art of high-stakes poker. Burt Reynolds is the leathery old pro and Bret Harrision his green, but cocky pupil who together head to Vegas and New Orleans for an intense session of training and instruction. But will Tommy be able to resist the lure of the tables and not mount a comeback of his own? And will we finally wind up with the card shark and the neophyte squaring off in a televised multi-million-dollar tournament to determine the very best poker player in the whole wide world? I'll see you and raise you on that bet.

As a subject for film, poker is already one of the least compelling forms of competition there is, and "Deal" does little to rectify that situation. Moreover, the characters and plot lines are so hopelessly hackneyed and uninspired that we spend most of our time just waiting for the scenes to play themselves out. Harrison lacks charisma as the upstart newbie, but Reynolds brings a degree of gravitas to his overly-familiar role of a has-been trying to achieve the victory and personal glory he missed out on the first time around.

But you'll wind up feeling as enervated as the players long before the final hand is played.

Not in the realm of that bad.

[don_robeo · 8/10 · 10 March 2008]

Okay, so this is my first shot at this. I was compelled to write because of all the abuse this video is taking. It's not that bad. Actually I enjoyed it. Especially the ending which was a Great One by the way. And also about the comment that poker fans would not like it, actually I think the contrary would be true for the simple fact it IS about POKER and all most nothing else (although Shannon Elizabeth adds a little spice to it). No, other than Burt, there is no actor in this well known to be outstanding but there doesn't need to be. No, it is not Rounders and the comparison wasn't, I don't think, a very good choice. If you want a comparison on how the movie is set up it more closely follows "The Color of Money" as pupil and teacher going off to the big tourney. Anyway, I think poker fans will love it, if for no other reason you get to see almost every big name poker pro in the biz be in a movie. Regardless, you'll LOVE the ending.

Just OK

[Toocooltoobefooled · 3/10 · 22 November 2008]

This movie has the feel of a TV movie. There really isn't any suspense or tension. It tries, but never delivers. It's no Rounders. That was a truly awesome poker movie, probably the best I've seen. Deal tries to be for poker what the color of money was for pool and doesn't come close....I didn't think the color of money was all that great either. It's a shame to see Burt Reynolds age like this, he'll always be to me the bandit. He looks pretty good considering his age, but as many of these stars try to preserve their looks they look just that....preserved and unnatural. His skin looks plastic, over stretched, and when he walks, he walks like he's 70, maybe he is. Shannon Eliabeth has such a small part in this movie, they could have chosen any body to play the role. Jennifer Tilly, not sure why she was added, I guess for star content, but her role is so small they could have saved the money. It's not a horrible movie, but I really hoped for more.

Absolutely Not Worth The Time of Just Reading The Title.

[donhoy-17638 · 1/10 · 8 October 2020]

I have a very long history of enjoying movies that everyone else seemed to dislike, ie: Waterworld, Heavens Gate, Battlefield Earth...etc so take it form me that this movie may be the new standard of just how bad a movie can be.

Even Barry Gibb's song is dire

[BeeGeeBlueBoy · 4/10 · 25 December 2021]

Barry Gibb contributed Drown On The River which he wrote and sings.

As with all his solo records he usually tries to sound as much as unlike to 'Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees' as possible and he certainly does that here.

Some clever lyrics but a wholly forgettable song.

Oh, It's cringe

[AngelHonesty · 3/10 · 10 January 2022]

One of the biggest mistakes in the film was having Burt Reynolds as one of the leads. He is ancient, all you can do is stare at the mans skin and cringe with how he looks now. And for some reason Burt's skin colour does not look and he appears to be wearing heavy makeup. When he enters into the Poker hall with all the other people he stands out like a sore thumb, it literally feels like there's the normal poker people, and there's the actor who shouldn't be there.

Bret Harrison should not have been the lead actor. He not only talks weird, but he can't act very well. He has very little depth to him and always comes across as the overly happy kid who never gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

As for the movie it's self, the film makes it seem like anyone can play poker and anyone can win, with very little talent, because all you need to do it read people's tells and get really good hands - all the time. What really doesn't make any sense is that the kid, with the random amazing champion talent who was born with the ability to always win at poker... is sponsored by Burt in the film to gamble with his money. What person wouldn't take the opportunity to gamble with someone else money and take home 50% of the profits? Who gives some one 10 grand to gamble with and agrees to split any profits 50% with no consequences if the person loses all their money? And why is poker being treated like an honourable career where you can never lose and you always win? Where is the reality in that?

The filming is low-budget and nothing in the movie is relatable. There are many plot holes and it's an all around disappointment of a film.

below average

[haythalk · 3/10 · 16 September 2010]

saw this film the other day on Sky movies. Being a BR fan, thought I would give it a look. First off, it's a shame to see BR looking so rough these days.He has had so much bad plastic surgery these days that he looks pretty dreadful. Why he couldn't have just gotten older gracefully, i will never know. I'm quite certain his rotten looks have reduced his chances of getting decent roles. So this is what plastic Burt has to star in these days, some poorly made Color of Money rip-off.Personally, I don't like or understand Poker, so the card scenes held little interest. Burt's performance was reasonable - he is always capable of turning in a performance in any junk. To be honest, this is not worth the time. If you are interested in watching any Burt Reynolds movies, stick to the seventies, early 80's (and of course Boogie Nights).The obvious movies are deliverance,Smokey,CannonBall but Hustle,The End,Semi-tough,starting over,sharkey's machine,best friends are great examples of why Burt is a legend.

If poker was a cliché.

[alistairibell · 2/10 · 20 September 2020]

Honestly don't waste your time. This movie is so translucent I'm surprised they managed to capture any of it on film.

1 dimensional characters and story line. You could predict the entire movie after 5 minutes of play time.

You have been warned.

Haunting movie for Poker newbies

[nehamaj-428-397567 · 9/10 · 23 February 2021]

As a woman I've never really "gotten" poker. But the late-in-life performance by Burt Reynolds mitigates the criticisms from some reviewers that the movie is shallow or commercialized. Charles Durning-also a last performance- has a great cameo. And if you don't understand Poker it doesn't really matter: As Tommy Vinson says early on "Don't play the cards; play the player"

Burt

[btreakle · 8/10 · 14 July 2021]

You gotta love birth Reynolds regardless what movies in he always makes a movie better he always makes a movie better than it was believable it was fun to watch Brett Harris spongebob Brett Harrison also played a good partner's film I already recommend this anybody that's a burnt Reynolds fan.

amazing

[slunchice · 10/10 · 26 April 2008]

The movie kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. If you ever took part in a poker tournament, you know exactly what I mean. It is a very real movie, very well put together. And of course, Bret Harrison Shannon Elizabeth are as charming as they can be.

Bret Harrison introduces "The Naked Mile" element in the movie - a college student, who has difficulties talking to girls, his roommate, who is trying to set him up, his parents who are trying to set him up with a "real job". His appearance is pleasant for the eye - him, being cute and sweet.

Shannon Elizabeth also reminds of the first "American Pie", where she made a memorable appearance as the foreign exchange student. In this movie her character provides a curious twist to the plot and lets more people relate, since the conflict is more casual, than the poker game.

Burt Reynolds reminds Peter Michael Falk from the "Inspector Columbo" series - cool, smart, and succinct. His act is very professional, and involves you in the movie immediately.

If you have ever taken part in a poker tournament, you cannot not like this movie. The suspense, the nerve-cracking tension, the facial expression of the players: it is all very all presented, very real.

It was a pleasure watching the movie, I recommend it highly.