robharrand
Poker Night starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. It follows a somewhat frantic pace, but, by way of crafty storytelling, manages to be much more than just another mindless hack 'n' slash film. In fact, labelling Poker Night a hack 'n' slash film at all, is doing it a disservice. There is far too much thought and creativity put into the story, for that.Flashbacks are a central focus in Poker Night and they're cleverly utilized. Each veteran cop who partakes in poker night, takes the viewer on a journey back in time, imparting wisdom that directly pertains to protagonist, Beau Mirchoff's survival. What's interesting is that Mirchoff acts out each cop's flashback, rather than the cops themselves. It's a unique approach that I really enjoyed.Poker Night does an outstanding job of visual storytelling and it's cinematography suits the story perfectly. The score is equally impressive.The cast is solid, with strong performances around the table, no pun intended. I especially liked Michael Eklund as the psychotic serial killer. When unmasked, his eyes were perfect for the job. Very sick stuff.Arguably, Poker Night's greatest strength is how it merges several genres (thriller, horror, suspense, action, comedy) into one, while avoiding the whole "jack of all trades, master of none" moniker. It takes a well thought out story to accomplish this and shouldn't be overlooked.For instance, I was completely shocked in several scenes and burst out laughing in several others. Especially the killer's "family life" flashback, where he was still wearing his killing mask. I felt like a manic lunatic watching it myself. Good stuff.In closing, Poker Night is not the greatest individual thriller, horror, suspense, action or comedy movie of all time. What it is, is one of the only movies I can think of, that combines all of these genres into one film. That alone makes it unique and well worth you 105 minutes.It's fragmented yet seamless, it's tricky, it's unpredictable, it's stylish, it's clever.And most of all, it absolutely deserves a higher score than 44%. Throw in a big name actor and the score probably doubles. Again, stupid but true.Definitely recommended.
toddxdavis
This is a talented cast and they play together great. It takes a minute to get the feel of the film but there is not the frequent inspiration to fast forward to a point you care to begin watching.The Man's Discovery Channel reference is funny considering The Man and the Discovery Channel are neighbors to the north. And the Super Glue reference, subtle and dark while also amusing.A few flaws, all easy to overlook. The over use of 'sperm' when they should use semen. I guess the writers like saying the wrong s-word.
haphazard72
This is.....different. I don't know how to describe it any other way.If you're into your horror/thriller type of movie, and you're not looking for anything deep, but you do want a movie with lots of twists and turns, then this is for you.I liked it. I liked how the different stories played out to help create the main one.Beau Mirchoff played his character well. Halston Sage is stunning!It's not an academy award winner, but if you want a bit of fun and horror, then this is for you. You won't pick the story and how it pans out- definitely different....
pavlos marcos
Was I watching something different. So many positive reviews. If you watch it, ask yourself why does he keep wearing the mask on the front cover. Nothing more need be said. Once you notice that faux pas, you will see why the film loses it's appeal very quickly. PavlosI need to write ten lines minimum however there isn't anything more worthy writing about it. So I'm sorry to have to repeat the these lines. I need to write ten lines minimum however there isn't anything more worthy writing about it. So I'm sorry to have to repeat the these lines. I need to write ten lines minimum however there isn't anything more worthy writing about it. So I'm sorry to have to repeat the these lines.
AD
