The Grand

The Grand, directed by Zak Penn in 2007, is an American comedy-drama film that successfully combines the elements of humor, drama, and the unpredictable nature of poker, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Woody Harrelson, David Cross, and Dennis Farina.

Woody Harrelson plays Jack Faro, the insightful, down-on-his-luck owner of the Rabbit's Foot (a callback to gambling lore), which is a rundown casino in Las Vegas. He sees himself in the mold of the old Vegas, where it's all about the person, not just the bet. So, when his cherished casino is threatened by ruthless developers, a poker tournament, The Grand, with a prize of $10 million seems like it could be his last chance to save it.

Harrelson brings charm and warmth to his character. His portrayal of Faro underscores the complexities of a desperate man who is addicted to his vices and uses his wit, charm and, most of all, poker skills to try and salvage what he holds dear.

Chasing the prize too, are a motley bunch of hilarious characters, each with their unique style and strategy.

There is the humorously absurd and insolent character of Larry Schwartzman, played by David Cross. Schwartzman is an arrogant, sneaky poker pro who, despite his disagreeable persona, is somehow always managing to get by. His ongoing rivalry with Faro provides a fair share of laughs and tension throughout the film.

Dennis Farina is Deuce Fairbanks, a legendary player, who is part suave, part con-man. He reminisces about the old days of poker when men were men, women were fluff, and children were to be seen and not heard – his vintage charm and humor invokes nostalgia.

Then there is Cheryl Hines as Lainie Schwartzman, Larry’s sister, a suburban housewife who unexpectedly becomes a formidable player.

Rounding out the cast are Mike Werbe (Chris Parnell), a robot-like math genius, who uses statistical analysis to tip the odds in his favor, and the newcomer Andy Andrews (Richard Kind), who won his seat by luck in an online video poker game. The interactions and dynamics between these contrasting characters add another level of entertainment to the movie.

The film employs a mockumentary style and several of the high stake hands are riffed in the form of color commentary by poker gurus Phil Gordon and Mike Werbe, adding a sense of realism to the poker games. The narrative fluently combines the characters’ personal stories with the underlying poker tournament storyline, culminating in an unpredictable poker showdown where, true to life, anything can happen.

The Grand's approach to poker is unabashedly comedic and subversive, often toying with the clichés of conventional poker films and even the game itself. Yet, it never loses its respect for the game, in fact, it showcases the integral skill and craft involved in the game of poker, making the game more accessible to non-poker players.

Hidden beneath the surface of poker faces, bluffing, and stakes is a commentary on the game itself. It displays how the world of poker can be as diverse as the people who play it, each with their unique drives, strategies, and tells, and subtly drives home the message that life, like poker, is a game of skill and luck, decisions and consequences, but ultimately one that should be enjoyed.

The captivating performances by the starry cast, blended with the humor and drama of the storyline, topped with the intriguing world of poker, make The Grand an entertaining movie that provides a fresh take on the classic American poker film. Whether a comedy lover, a drama enthusiast or a poker fan, the movie pleasantly serves all three audiences.

The Grand, in a nutshell, is a feel-good film that celebrates the spirit of the game and the characters who play it, while also providing plenty of laughs and stirring drama along the way. It's a charming, colorful romp, with its heart firmly placed in the right suits.