The Poker House2008
The Poker House (2008)
The Poker House Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Sarah
as Agnes
as Stymie
as Duval
as Bee
as Cammie
as Jeanette
as Maurice
as Sheila
as Earl
as Burl
as Clyde Junior
as Sheila's Mom
as Clyde Senior
as Darla
as Daniel
as Young Agnes
as Young Cammie
as Young Bee
as Dolly
as Popeye
as Meatball
as Mr. Goldstein
as Rowena
as Bob Elder
as Mr. Jefferies
as Rondell
as Pookie
as Black Tony
as Dooey
as Deon
as Harold
as Mooney
as Lincoln
as Coach
as Mr. Rasmussen
as Crystal
as Boxers Man
as Lil Boy
as Drunk Lady
as Drunk Man
as Football Player
as Basketball Fan
News & Interviews for The Poker House
Critic Reviews for The Poker House
All Critics (8) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (3) | DVD (1)
While the film has strong moments and performances, it illustrates the dangers of overly personal filmmaking.
Overall, the pacing feels languid to the point of meandering, relying too heavily on old soul records (and a final eight-track sing-along) for momentum and energy.
Regardless of whether the film is all fiction or all true or a mix, it has a ring of truth about it strong enough to sustain a defy-all-odds finish.
Lori Petty, we are all thankful for you and for The Poker House.
The movie seemed to point a finger at its own audience and scold it for its ignorance of this problem and apparent unwillingness to help.
One of those autobiographical films... like Running With Scissors... that shows how children can survive and even prosper emotionally, spiritually (eventually) despite a ghastly childhood
Audience Reviews for The Poker House
two stars
Super Reviewer
Lust, drugs and violence... no place for a kid. Good movie! Jennifer Lawrence gives a wonderful performance as the eldest daughter, Agnes who takes care of her two younger siblings. The Poker House is narrated by Agnes as she tries to deal with being 14 and living in a house where there is gambling, drugs, alcohol, and pimps. The story definitely pulls on the heart strings at times, but it does not overwhelm with sadness that it makes it hard to enjoy. It adds just the right amount of humor that three young girls can produce while being silly together. I honestly was shocked by how well the movie was produced and the character portrayal. Actress-turned-filmmaker Lori Petty makes her feature directorial debut with this period drama starring Selma Blair, Bokeem Woodbine, and David Alan Grier. Set in 1976, THE POKER HOUSE explores a typical day in the life of a decidedly atypical teen named Agnes. Some folks have the luxury of living each day to the fullest, but for Agnes every day is a grueling struggle for survival: Her mother is strung out on drugs, her home has been overrun by degenerates, and her only father figure is a pimp. For Agnes and her two younger sisters, this particular day will be marked by both tragedy and triumph, but which will resonate most in the days and weeks to follow?
Super Reviewer
This is one movie that had GREAT potential, but became a victim of the editing chopping block maybe? There was so much here that seemed to be left out, not well explained, not well potrayed. What was here, however, was amazingly good. The young actresses were just wonderful, and the idea/style of the movie was compelling. Unfortunately, there just seemed to be so much missing to tie it all together....what a shame..
Super Reviewer
The Poker House Quotes
| Agnes: | I race the sun home in the morning, and the moon up at night. Anything can happen, and anything does. There's just today - and then there's tonight. Anything happens, and anything does. You get through. |
| Sarah: | "It's like when people tell you that their dog doesn't bite ...well how do they know." |