Review of The Grand (2007) by Jim R — 11 Oct 2009

The Grand follows a group of poker players at a ?World Series of Poker? type event as they make their way to the final table of a winner-takes-all $10million tournament. Told and shot in mockumentary style, it?s not bad ? in fact there are some moments that are very funny and good ? but it didn?t knock me out. I think the main problem with the film goes to the heart of the narrative. Ultimately, it?s a story about these wacky characters trying to win a poker tournament, so the core conflict often gets resolved in the ?flop.? And I couldn?t really give a rat?s ass about poker.

That said, it?s entertaining at moments here and there, with solid, hilarious bits and some bits that just don?t work. One element that makes it work is its overwhelming recognizable cast: Woody Harrleson, David Cross, Dennis Farina (Get Shorty?s Dennis Farina), Cheryl Hines, Larry Kind (Ira from Mad About You), Chris Parnell (from 30 Rock), and Ray Romano. There are also many bit players I recognized: Werner Herzog, Jason Alexander, Michael McKean, Gabe Kaplan, Judy Greer, Hank Azaria, and Barry Corbin. And most of these people have at least a couple funny moments.

It?s worth a watch if you don?t go out of your way to do it, or if you like poker more than I do.