Review of Lucky You (2007) by Kayla N — 12 Dec 2009

A capable film that carries on for way too long. If you know how to play poker then you might get more out of this than the average joe as it can be somewhat complex at times when hands are being dealt but the characters are likeable enough even if for all the wrong reasons.

Bana and Duvall doing what they do best as father and son rivals at the playing table along for the ride is a sorted history between the two that becomes more interestingly complex as the film goes on.

Barrymore is adequate as Banas interest but somehow falls short of her usual talents. Wasn't much need for her as this show is completely Duvalls and Banas from the get go. Lucky you has no thrilling background score to elevate mood nor are there any moments that get your heart pounding.

It's basically a character film that uses poker as a device to gradually expose the weaknessess and strengths of the characters themselves. Because of this the film can feel much longer than need be as the film has a hard time holding your attention for that long.

The film does run over 2 hours at a pace that requires a fair amount of patience, so unless you have that particular virtue yourself, you may need to space it out in 2 parts as I had to. This is not a bad film by any means, just a bit long for my personal tastes.

Overall Lucky You delivers a decent story with above average acting and direction with a only few slightly minor setbacks. Enjoyable and recommended.