Review of Hard Eight (1997) by Craig T — 31 Jan 2011
Hard Eight, above all, has a magnetic character (Philip Baker Hall) who we watch try to help a dim witted bum (John C. Reilly) better himself. He does so by showing him how to take advantage of casinos and turn his luck around.
Even when Reilly loses his grip on rationality, Hall seems to step in like a pro and put the pieces back together again. Supporting roles include Gwyneth Paltrow who plays Reilly's waitress love interest and Samuel L.
Jackson is Reilly's off center friend. What is most attractive here is Hall's performance. He is the motor that makes this vehicle run. He and director, Anderson, pull us in and makes us wonder why anybody would take the time to help a buffoon turn his life around.
Then we start to find out why and the vice tightens on us. I liked watching Hall interact with Reilly, Paltrow, and Jackson all differently. Hall has much to offer the story and does so on many levels.
Hard Eight is an original drama, toned down so that we can concentrate on the characters with no distractions. It has a subtle suspense to it and the film is self aware. It has no big plans or gimmick sub-plots to try and wrap us up in.
It tells us a straightforward story of making amends the only way an old con knows how. He is patiently in control of the story's path and is to thank for it's satisfying closure. (B).
This review of Hard Eight (1997) was written by Craig T on 31 Jan 2011.
Hard Eight has generally received positive reviews.
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