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“…while there may be little royal blood in the players, they are treated like royalty.”

Card games have been played for centuries.  In fact, as far back as the 14th century, but way back then the players were royalty — real kings and queens.  Now the game of poker can be played by everyone and anyone and while there may be little royal blood in the players, today they are treated like royalty.

 

All In: The Poker Movie is the ultimate movie about the sport.  And while the argument about whether or not poker is a real sport, there is no doubt that this documentary directed by Douglas Tirola deals a winning hand.  (Sorry, I could not resist.)  The film provides a detailed accounting of the history of cards and the game, the rise in popularity during Word War II when cards were circulated to soldiers, online pokers ups and downs, how poker exploded based on TV coverage, and the most compelling story of the players who have become like rock stars.  And while most of the movie consists of talking head interviews, visually it’s never boring with quick cut archival footage and graphics to supplement each subject.  The best story of all, the rise of everyman Chris Moneymaker is the thread running throughout.  Moneymaker’s story provides the glue that holds the film together along with the edge-of-your-seat climax.  Moneymaker’s Horatio Algeresque tale is well known — he’s the regular schlub who spent $39 on an online poker game and won a seat at the World Series of Poker where he went on to… well, you’ll have to see the movie.  The poker stories provide inspiration to millions of players who enter the game.  In no other sport — basketball, football, hockey, baseball, whatever — can players compete against the best in the field with a chance to win.  Poker does actually make dreams come true… and the game can dash dreams just as quickly.

Whether you love or loathe the game, All In: The Poker Movie will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the game and the players.  And you might even consider picking up a deck yourself and starting a game.

Words by Chris Gore, red carpet photos by Dustin Downing

5.00 (1 votes)

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