Apr
14
Burt Reynolds will star with and Bret Harrison in the poker movie Deal for writer director Gil Cates Jr.
The movie revolves around an ex-gambler who teaches a hot shot college student how to "play the player" vs. just the cards. But after the two have a bitter falling out, they find themselves competing against each other in the World Poker Tour championships. (Sounds like The COlor of Money doesn't it).
Shooting begins April 3rd in New Orleans. Shannon Elizabeth and Charles Durning will also star with real-life poker players Phil "The Unabomber" Laak, Antonio "The Magician" Esfandari and Vince Van Patton also making appearances.
Reynolds' most recent credits include The Dukes of Hazzard and The Longest Yard. Harrison currently stars on TV's The Loop.
American film studio MGM announced that several top international poker professionals will have cameo roles in the new casino themed motion picture "Deal", which is due for release on April 25th.
With a storyline revolving around poker, the film features Hollywood veteran Burt Reynolds alongside Shannon Elizabeth and Bret Harrison. Also appearing as themselves will be Phil 'The Unabomber' Laak, Antonio 'The Magician' Esfandiari, Vincent Van Patten, Joe Hachem, Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer.
"Deal is the best poker movie since Rounders," Claimed Hachem. "a must see for any poker fan."
The plot involves a university student named Alex Stillman, played by Harrison, being taught the game of Texas Hold'em by 'retired poker legend' Tommy Vinson, played by Reynolds. The tutorial eventually leads the pensioned Vinson back to the felt where he teams up with his student to go on a run where the team win every tournament they enter. However, the interference of a Las Vegas call girl named Micelle, played by Elizabeth, leads the two players to part ways in order to prepare for the World Poker Tour where only one will come out on top.
"Deal is the authentic poker movie for anyone that loves the game," said Esfandiari.
The film was shot in New Orleans and its release follows that of the similarly themed 21, which has earned over $38 million in American cinemas since its debut two weeks ago.
"Deal captures the poker world like it is," said Van Patten.
