Rounders Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A law student throws away his future to play cards with a cookie-loving Russian gangster, all because his deadbeat friend can’t stop cheating.

🍿 Rounders: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Mike’s Initial Loss and Promise

The film opens with Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), a talented poker player and law student, losing his entire $30,000 bankroll to Teddy ‘KGB’ (John Malkovich) in a high-stakes Texas Hold’em game. Devastated, Mike promises his girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol), that he will quit poker and focus on his studies.

Worm’s Release and Mike’s Relapse

Mike attempts to stay true to his promise, but his life takes a turn when his childhood friend, Lester ‘Worm’ Murphy (Edward Norton), is released from prison. Worm, a less scrupulous card player with a gambling debt, quickly draws Mike back into the world of high-stakes poker, jeopardizing his relationship with Jo and his commitment to law school.

Desperate Measures and Betrayal

As Worm’s debt comes due, Mike joins him in a frantic effort to win the money. Despite Mike’s insistence on playing fair, Worm resorts to cheating. Their actions lead to them being caught, losing their earnings, and facing dangerous consequences. Worm ultimately reveals that his debt is owed to Teddy KGB, the same man who cleaned Mike out earlier.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mike McDermott (Matt Damon): A gifted law student and poker player who is drawn back into the high-stakes gambling world to help a friend.
• Worm (Edward Norton): Mike’s unreliable and debt-ridden friend whose actions pull Mike back into the dangerous world of poker.
• Teddy KGB (John Malkovich): A ruthless Russian mobster and skilled poker player who presents a formidable challenge to Mike.
• Jo (Gretchen Mol): Mike’s girlfriend and fellow law student who struggles with his return to gambling.
• Joey Knish (John Turturro): A seasoned ’rounder’ and mentor to Mike, offering him advice and a realistic perspective on the gambling life.
• Abe Petrovsky (Martin Landau): Mike’s law professor who supports Mike with a loan to confront his gambling debts.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mike McDermott: “If you can’t spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table, then you ARE the sucker.” – Mike explains this rule of poker to his law professor, emphasizing the importance of reading people.
• Teddy KGB: “Very aggressive. But he no play back. I like this.” – Teddy KGB observes Mike’s playing style, noting his aggression but lack of counter-aggression.
• Joey Knish: “Here’s the thing. If you can’t pay your own way, you can’t play.” – Knish advises Mike about the realities and responsibilities of being a professional gambler.
• Mike McDermott: “It’s immoral to let a sucker keep his money.” – Mike justifies his actions, highlighting the predatory nature of the high-stakes poker world.
• Mike McDermott: “I’m gonna sit down with KGB one last time. And I’m gonna take every last cent he has. That’s my fate.” – Mike declares his determination to confront Teddy KGB, embracing his destiny as a poker player.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,912,409
• Worldwide Gross: $22,912,409

💥 Rounders Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love Rounders! It’s not just a movie about poker; it’s about choices, friendship, and chasing your dreams, even if they’re a little risky. The scene where Mike loses everything to Teddy KGB is heart-wrenching, and then watching him rebuild his bankroll is so exciting. I’ve watched it so many times, and it never gets old. Malkovich’s performance is iconic, and the dialogue is so quotable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gambling movies”
  • “Matt Damon and Edward Norton fans”
  • “Viewers interested in poker culture”
  • “Crime drama enthusiasts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Profanity”
  • “Gambling themes”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Some drug references”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Rounders paints a compelling picture of underground poker, although it occasionally gets bogged down in gambling jargon. The performances, especially Malkovich’s over-the-top Teddy KGB, make it a worthwhile watch.
• Rolling Stone: “With Damon and Norton leading the charge, Rounders deals a winning hand. Though the plot is familiar, the intense poker scenes and strong character work keep you hooked until the final showdown.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Rounders is a solid crime drama elevated by its focus on the unique world of high-stakes poker. While some may find the gambling details alienating, the engaging performances and tense atmosphere are universally appealing.

Audience Reactions

John Malkovich’s portrayal of Teddy KGB is hilarious and memorable.: The acting is superb across the board, particularly Damon, Norton, and Malkovich.

The film perfectly captures the tension and excitement of high-stakes poker games.: It’s a thrilling and engaging story even if you don’t know much about poker.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted and engaging crime drama that offers a compelling look into the world of high-stakes poker.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Several professional poker players, including Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, and Chris Moneymaker, have praised Rounders for its accurate portrayal of the poker world.”
• “Matt Damon and Edward Norton actually played in the 1998 World Series of Poker during filming to prepare for their roles.”
• “The character of Teddy KGB was inspired by a real-life poker player and Russian immigrant.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rounders?

Rounders is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. You may also find the film available to purchase on DVD or Blu-ray through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rounders, you might like these similar films:

• The Cincinnati Kid (1965): A classic gambling film centered around high-stakes poker, portraying a similar story of ambition and skill.
• Croupier (1998): Offers a different perspective on the gambling world through the eyes of a croupier, exploring themes of risk and detachment.
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Features a group of skilled individuals taking high stakes risks to execute a complex plan.
• Uncut Gems (2019): Captures the high-stakes, high-anxiety world of gambling addiction and the relentless pursuit of a big win.
• Casino Royale (2006): James Bond uses his poker skills in a high stakes game against a terrorist financier.

🛒 Rounders Related Products

• World Series of Poker: Full House Pro – Xbox One: Experience the thrill of high-stakes poker with this immersive game. Featuring realistic gameplay and customizable avatars, it’s perfect for honing your skills before hitting the tables.
• Trademark Poker 500 Dice Style Poker Chip Set with Aluminum Case: Bring the casino experience home with this high-quality poker chip set. Perfect for hosting your own Rounders-themed poker nights.
• Rounders Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or game room.
• Poker Face T-Shirt: A stylish t-shirt featuring a poker-themed design. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Rounders features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Baby, I’m A Big Star Now” – performed by Counting Crows
• “The Letter” – performed by Joe Cocker

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Matt Damon impersonates John Malkovich in Rounders

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to impersonate a famous actor? Well, Matt Damon did just that on the set of Rounders, and it’s a pretty funny story!

‘Celebrity True or False’ with Edward Norton: Tales from Rounders & Fight Club | The Rich Eisen Show

Did you know that Edward Norton is a big fan of poker? In this interview, he shares some of his experiences from filming Rounders, and it’s clear that he had a lot of fun!

ROUNDERS Final Hand Breakdown – Old School VS New School Poker Analysis Episode 6

Have you ever wondered how a professional poker player would analyze the final hand of Rounders? Well, now you can find out!

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