In Russell Crowe’s film “Poker Face,” which is currently playing at Sky Cinema, five boyhood pals reunite for a high-stakes poker game. They are unaware that Jake has other plans for them when they accept his invitation to play poker in his estate. Jake’s intentions go awry when three burglars break into the home and put his friends’ and his own life in danger.
In the movie, Jake is depicted as viewing everything as a game of poker. All of the buddies are bound together by the card game. Through the game of poker, the story explores issues like friendship, treachery, and open communication while highlighting the characteristics of the characters. If you like these card-based stories, we have a selection of films that you may binge. The majority of these movies like “Poker Face” are available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
California Split (1974)
A perfect depiction of gambling addiction and how it affects a person may be seen in “California Split.” After being assaulted by a man they had just won money from, Bill and Charlie became friends. Bill is a potential gambling addict, but Charlie is already one. Bill’s relationship with them sets him on a road that changes the way he views card games and gambling.
The bond between Bill and Charlie is comparable to Jake’s friendship with his boyhood friends in “Poker Face,” despite the fact that the film isn’t primarily about poker. On the one hand, while they were teenagers, Jake and his friends grew close over poker. Bill and Charlie, on the other hand, are brought together by their addiction and embark on their gambling exploits as a result. Another similarity between the two movies is the way they both show how friends’ different personalities cause them to drift apart as a result of their decisions.
Maverick (1994)
The Western movie “Maverick,” which is based on the same-named television series, is about two gamblers named Bret (Mel Gibson) and Annabelle (Jodie Foster) who want to win enough money to play high-stakes poker. The movie is very different from “Poker Face,” but there are some storytelling-related similarities between the two as well. For instance, poker is used as a plot element in both films to advance the story and link the many characters together. Additionally, both films’ characters are hiding something, which heightens the suspense and interest as the plot develops. In addition to this, the viewer continuously tries to predict what the characters will do next and how events will pan out.
Molly’s Game (2017)
The movie “Molly’s Game,” which is based on the memoir of the same name by Molly Bloom, follows the path of a superb skier who advances from working as a bottle service waitress to managing one of the most exclusive high-stakes poker games in the world. At her height of fame, Molly (Jessica Chastain) attracts the attention of the FBI, who begin an investigation on her. The film’s backdrops are slick and elegant and produce the necessary atmosphere for a high-stakes thriller movie.
Due to the backdrops and the tense mood, “Molly’s Game” and “Poker Face” feel identical despite having separate plots. Because they are aware of the effects of their actions, the protagonists in both movies are virtually always on edge. Their attitude makes their encounter fascinating and keeps the audience on their toes.
Rounders (1998)
One of the best films based on poker is “Rounders,” which was directed by John Dahl. Two old pals, Mike (Matt Damon) and Lester (Edward Norton), play high-stakes poker to pay off their debt in the movie. The story naturally includes poker, and the game is accurately portrayed. However, the development of Mike and Lester’s relationship throughout the film is what makes this story so compelling.
Their relationship is similar to that of the five friends in “Poker Face” in many aspects. In both instances, we can observe how the personalities of the friends vary, which is reflected in the games they choose to play and the things they choose to do in real life. In addition to these, there is the well-known cliche that things will eventually turn bad and reveal the characters’ actual selves. In both movies, these elements serve as the plot’s driving force and are entertaining to watch.
Shade (2003)
In “Shade,” three con artists scheme to rob Dean, one of the finest players, of his money in an underground poker club (Sylvester Stallone). The portions in “Poker Face” where the protagonists are engaged in game play remind us of “Shade.” Compared to the second movie, the hands and techniques of the characters in the first movie are a little more vague and straightforward. The twists and turns that take place throughout the films are what they have in common. Both movies include subtleties that are indicative of the game.
Smart Money (1931)
In “Smart Money,” a barber named Nick is followed as he operates a shady poker den in the barbershop’s back room. He is urged by the regulars in the poker club to take on Hickory Short, a well-known gambler. Nick embarks on an exciting journey full of detours in order to defeat the skilled gambler Hickory Short. Even Nick is a skilled poker player, much like Jake in “Poker Face.”
Their vast economic empire includes poker as well. When it comes to illegal gaming in his city, Nick becomes king while Jake creates the first online poker system. However, the tonality and central concept of the two are very dissimilar. Nick aspires to be the top player and start his own business, but Jake’s storyline and goals are more emotional. In addition, ‘Poker Face’ emphasises interpersonal relationships more than ‘Smart City,’ which largely focuses on a man’s adventure in the realm of gaming.
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
The Cincinnati Kid is a full-throttle poker movie that depicts a duel between two seasoned poker players. The Kid, also known as Eric Stoner, aspires to be the finest poker player. But in order to do that, he must overcome “The Man,” aka Lancey Howard, the current titleholder. One of the most accurate representations of the game, with all of the varied moves on full show, is the tale. We witness a few whole rounds of the game being played in “Poker Face,” which brings to mind “The Cincinnati Kid.” In addition to this, the latter includes the friendship and romance arcs that, as we can see in the former, contribute the crucial emotional overtones.
The Sting (1973)
Poker plays a crucial role in the story of con artists in the cult classic movie “The Sting.” The plot centres on two swindlers named Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry (Paul Newman), who attempt to dupe Doyle, a mob boss (Robert Shaw). The use of poker in both “The Sting” and “Poker Face” is one of their many shared elements. In the first, Henry and Hooker use the game to lure Doyle, while Jake uses it in the second to round up his buddies for a secret purpose. Furthermore, Hooker and Jake don’t just view their acts as a ruse or a plot. Because it is personal to them, this cliché heightens the tension and keeps the viewer interested all the way to the finish.
