The Grand Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of weirdos play poker for a lot of money, and one of them wins, probably the one you least expect, unless you’re good at predicting things, then it’s probably predictable.

🍿 The Grand: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Players

The movie introduces a diverse group of characters, each with their own quirks and motivations for entering a high-stakes poker tournament called “The Grand.” These include One Eyed Jack Faro, the casino owner trying to save his family business; Larry Schwartzman, a self-absorbed poker pro; and Harold Melvin, a socially awkward math whiz.

The Tournament Begins

As the tournament progresses, the film showcases the personalities of the players and the dynamics between them. The humor arises from their interactions, eccentric behaviors, and the absurd situations that unfold both at and away from the poker table. The mockumentary style captures the essence of poker culture and the diverse characters it attracts.

Unexpected Twists and Turns

Throughout the tournament, alliances shift, rivalries intensify, and unexpected hands change the course of the game. The film emphasizes the improvisational nature of the scenes, as the actors play their characters while navigating the unpredictable flow of a live poker game. This creates a unique and unpredictable viewing experience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• One Eyed Jack Faro (Woody Harrelson): A drug-abusing casino owner trying to win a poker tournament to save his grandfather’s casino.
• Larry Schwartzman (David Cross): An obnoxious professional poker player competing against his sister.
• Lainie Schwartzman (Cheryl Hines): A professional poker player and mother supporting her family, competing against her brother.
• Harold Melvin (Chris Parnell): An anti-social statistics expert and poker pro who still lives with his mother.
• LBJ ‘Deuce’ Fairbanks (Dennis Farina): An old-timer poker player with contempt for the modern game.
• The German (Werner Herzog): An eccentric and intense poker player with unusual hobbies.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• One Eyed Jack Faro: “Yes, I did get thrown out of my own casino, I’m not sure how exactly that happened, but they do say that I gave the order.” – Jack explains his checkered past and current situation with his casino.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5.4M
• Domestic Gross: $115.9K
• Worldwide Gross: $115.9K

💥 The Grand Reviews

Personal Review

I found The Grand to be a mixed bag. Some moments are genuinely hilarious, especially Werner Herzog’s bizarre character. However, the improv style felt uneven, and I wished there was a tighter plot. The poker scenes were okay, but not gripping. Overall, I enjoyed it as a lighthearted, quirky comedy, but it’s not one I’d rush to rewatch. There were scenes with David Cross I found funny. The film is alright if you don’t think about it too much.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of mockumentaries”
  • “People who enjoy improvisational comedy”
  • “Poker enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who appreciate quirky humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Crude language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Adult situations”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “The Grand is a mocumentary following six players competing in a Texas Hold’em tournament. It’s a huge ensemble with performers like Woody Harrelson and Cheryl Hines and director Zak Penn handles it impeccably. It’s a love letter to fans of poker and smart comedy alike.
• IMDb: “The Grand is funny in parts, but overall there are three unfunny minutes for every funny minute. There was almost no excitement or tension to the poker tournament, perhaps because it is impossible to build tension in the results of a game when that game is severely edited.
• IMDb: ““The Grand” is a mockumentary about six internet poker players who gather in Las Vegas for a $10 million, winner-take-all tournament. It steals clumsily from all those far superior Christopher Guest movies. The humor is largely lacking, as each eccentric character plays out his little assigned shtick over and over and over again.

Audience Reactions

The quirky characters and their interactions made this film hilarious and memorable.: The film is praised for its originality and the talented cast, particularly Chris Parnell and Werner Herzog.

Werner Herzog’s comedic performance was unexpectedly brilliant and a highlight.: The unique blend of poker and improvisational comedy appealed to a niche audience.

Overall Consensus: The Grand is a polarizing film, appreciated for its unique humor and cast, but criticized for unevenness and weak plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “With the exception of conversations away from the game, the final table scene was unscripted.”
• “Director Zak Penn chose to play the entire final table for real, not knowing in advance who would win, and thus how the movie would end.”
• “Two different scenes were shot to allow for Lainie to either win or lose due to Ray Romano’s shooting schedule.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Grand?

As of October 2024, “The Grand” is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential streaming availability or cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Grand, you might like these similar films:

• Best in Show (2000): Similar mockumentary style with eccentric characters in a competitive setting.
• Rounders (1998): Explores the world of high-stakes poker with a more serious, dramatic tone.
• California Split (1974): A character study about gambling addicts.

🛒 The Grand Related Products

• World Series of Poker: Full House Pro – Xbox 360: Experience the thrill of high-stakes poker from the comfort of your couch with realistic gameplay and customizable characters. Compete against friends or AI opponents in various poker tournaments.
• Poker Face: The Psychology of Bluffing and Deception: Delve into the psychology of poker and learn the secrets of bluffing, reading opponents, and mastering the mental game. Gain a deeper understanding of the strategies used in high-stakes poker.
• Trademark Poker 1000 Piece Monte Carlo Club Poker Chips Set: This professional-grade poker chip set includes 1000 high-quality chips in various colors and denominations. Perfect for hosting your own poker nights with friends and family. Comes in an aluminum carrying case.
• Customizable Poker Visor – Design Your Own: Create a custom visor with your favorite poker sayings or lucky charm. Show off your personal style at the next poker game or tournament.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Wisdom” – performed by The Brian Jonestown Massacre

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

🤨 FAQ

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