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April 14, 2008 - For anybody who says casino gambling isn't a mainstream activity, go to the movies. If you can believe it, more gambling movies are set to hit the theater's, following the recent debut of the blackjack movie "21", in theaters now.

You might have already heard about this one, for it has a really solid cast and has been getting pretty good media coverage thus far. It's called "Deal" and is starring Burt Reynolds, Shannon Elizabeth and is set to open next Friday, April the 25th.

"Deal" has some tough competition to beat in becoming the best poker movie of all time - most notably the 1998 underground poker flick "Rounders" with Ed Norton and Matt Damon. And according to early reviews, it looks like there's a good chance "Deal" will come out on top. But you know what? Who is it that's writing these reviews anyways? If you ask me, 100% of the time these critics act like they know everything there is to filmmaking and good storytelling, but the reality is that either they are being paid to write a good review or they don't know their foot from their mouth.

And before I stick my own foot in my mouth, let's just hope Reynolds is on his game for this one, 'cause even the likes of Kevin Spacey couldn't pull it off in "21". Believe me. I'm not criticizing Spacey. What I am saying is that the reviews on "21" were probably harsher than they should be since Kevin Spacey has been in so many good films. It's the classic game of "let me compare this Kevin Spacey film with this other Kevin Spacey film". Since "21" is obviously not one of Spacey's best films, I think it got a lower rating that it deserves. But hey, that didn't stop people from paying money to see it. "21" raked in $24 million opening weekend.

As for "Deal", it certainly won't stand on its plot alone. Resembling the storyline of "The Color of Money", it's one of those ex-champion poker player teaches a young, cocky poker prodigy how to up his game, only to square off with him at the final table in the World Series of Poker. You could even compare it to "Rocky" minus the "Yo Adrienne!"

The one thing I'm wondering is if Shannon Elizabeth gets naked in it. I've been watching her on "Dances With the Stars", and let me tell you, she's got a great body and some great moves. But seriously, she's a great actress (and poker player, mind you), and her spiked fame from "Dancing With the Stars", which she is still in the running to win this year, will no doubt help draw in an even larger crowd to see "Deal". I really want this one to be good. But I have to tell you, I've got my doubts. The plot's too unoriginal.

Originally published: April, 2008 | Categories: Gambling