Review of The Grand (2007) by Tom D — 13 Mar 2009

[font=Century Gothic]In "The Grand," Jack Faro(Woody Harrelson) is released from a 12-step program(one for each controlled substance), so he can compete in a multi-million poker tournament to have a chance to save his grandfather's(Barry Corbin) casino. But he is going to have some very tough competition. Lainie Schwartzman(Cheryl Hines) is so good, she has earned enough money for her children's college education, and provides the rooting interest by being from Long Island.(Yes kids, there really is a Massapequa.) Her brother Larry(David Cross) does his best to keep up. Harold Melvin is an idiot savant who has seen "Dune" way too many times. Andy Andrews(Richard Kind) is an amateur player from Wisconsin who gained entry through a web site. Deuce Fairbanks(Dennis Farina) and The German(Werner Herzog) are the veteran cardplayers.[/font].

[font=Century Gothic]"The Grand" is a silly and occasionally funny mockumentary on the subject of televised poker tournaments. Since I usually have something better to do than watch one(which reminds me, "Dollhouse" is on tonight), I cannot consider myself an expert by any means. Regardless, its shots at unctuous commentators and trying to fit people into neat boxes feel like they hit the target. There are some real life people playing themselves which helps the atmosphere and some familiar faces in cameos which does not. Otherwise, the characterizations are hit and miss. While David Cross proves to be an eternal source of annoyance, Werner Herzog is a delight, exploiting his perceived insanity for laughs. [/font].

[font=Century Gothic]What truly separates "The Grand" from mediocrity is an unexpected depth from generational conflicts. Larry and Lainie suffer under the thumb of a manipulative father(Gabe Kaplan?!?). Harold has a clinging mother(Estelle Harris). And Deuce is nostalgic for the good old days when you could shoot somebody and dump the body in the desert without anybody complaining.[/font].