2022 has really not been a great year for film. Hear me out. We had two years of movies, on, then off, streaming services now releasing films like Poker Face with big Hollywood names and singers, like RZA.
So in 2022, we had so many ways to consume films. Either on premium demand, Netflix, Disney+, even Australia's own Stan. That's where this Australian-American thriller film written, directed and starring Russell Crowe.
Crowe is not the only big star in this film. Also featuring in Poker Face is Liam Hemsworth (Hunger Games franchise), RZA (The Man with the Iron Fists), Aden Young (Rectify), Steve Bastoni (Fires), Daniel MacPherson (Neighbours), Brooke Satchwell (upcoming Stan Original Series Black Snow), Paul Tassone (The Code), Matt Nable (upcoming Stan Original Film Transfusion, The Dry), Benedict Hardie (Joe vs. Carole), Jacqueline McKenzie (Stan Original Series Bloom) and Molly Grace (Savage River), with Elsa Pataky (Fast and Furious franchise) and Jack Thompson (High Ground).
The plots super basic with a random flashback sequence which is where I started and paused the film from when it was released until, just now. Jake Foley, a tech billionaire, holds a high stakes poker night with his childhood friends. As the night goes on, it is revealed Foley wants his friends to reveal secrets they've held their entire lives. Things go awry as thieves try to rob the game, and the friends must band together to survive.
Poker Face premieres November 22, on Stan. This was after a very short cinema release.
The film was shot in New South Wales and marks Crowe’s second directorial outing following 2014’s AACTA Award-winning The Water Diviner.
However this will not be an AACTA award winning film. It was fairly average at best. Making me think, have these streaming exclusive films, also made the movie going experience? After the long, drawn out Black Panther sequel on the weekend, I see the argument for now chilling out at home, ordering Uber Eats and then switching on your selected streaming service for the evening. Or morning. We all know I used to love a morning film.
Either way Poker Face is just not a great film. It seems to be shot in a post COVID world with many scenes featuring limited cast.
I can't pass this film, even though it was a free film, with only my monthly Stan direct debit setting me back for this 90 minute dud.
1.5 Stars.
No comments:
Post a Comment