Rounders

Rounders is a crime drama set in the underground poker world of New York City. Mike McDermott is a gifted player who studies law but funds his life through cards. After losing his bankroll in a single night to Teddy KGB, a Russian-American gangster, he promises his girlfriend Jo that he will quit. The promise collapses when his closest friend, Lester "Worm" Murphy, leaves prison owing a large debt to dangerous people and with only days to pay it. Mike puts himself on the line for Worm, and the two conclude that the only realistic way to raise the money quickly is to return to the tables, where Mike relies on skill and Worm on sharper practices.

John Dahl directed the film, the fifth in the directing career that also includes Kill Me Again, Red Rock West, The Last Seduction, Unforgettable and, later, Joy Ride and The Great Raid. Brian Koppelman and David Levien wrote the screenplay, and Ted Demme and Joel Stillerman produced. Matt Damon plays Mike, with Edward Norton as Worm, Gretchen Mol as Jo, John Turturro as Joey Knish, John Malkovich as Teddy KGB and Famke Janssen as Petra; 59 cast members and 68 crew members are credited.

Released on September 11, 1998, the film runs 121 minutes and was made for about 12 million dollars, earning roughly 23 million worldwide. On IMDb it holds 7.3 out of 10 from 168,000 votes, and on TMDB 7 out of 10 from about 2,000 votes. A critics' rating of 6.7 out of 10 from 81 reviews places it close to the audience scores.