"In this sure entertainment bet from "L.A. Confidential" writer/director Curtis Hanson, who co-wrote the screenplay with fellow 'Academy Award' winner Eric Roth, pro gambler Huck Cheever (Eric Bana) scrambles to raise the $10,000 entry fee to the poker world's most prestigious contest, even though the tournament may put him against his estranged father (Robert Duvall). Along the way, he meets irresistible Billie Offer (Drew Barrymore) and learns that in order to truly succeed he must first learn to live life the way he plays cards, trusting his heart instead of his head," according to the film's official synopsis.
"Lucky You" is more good than bad, but it never really plays with a full deck. The film gets started with a terrific scene between Mr. Bana and pawnbroker Phyllis Somerville; the excellent smaller roles, along with big name support from Ms. Barrymore and Mr. Duvall, are a casting director's dream - Mali Finn should feel as happy as his huckleberry namesake. Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan contribute great soundtrack songs. However, the film's thesis is not very clear. Did Duvall fake out Bana in the bathroom? Do people really threaten players with "Godfather"-type hits? And, are these people really a bunch of gambling addicts, as their behavior suggests?
****** Lucky You (5/1/07) Curtis Hanson ~ Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall, Debra Messing
"Lucky You" is more good than bad, but it never really plays with a full deck. The film gets started with a terrific scene between Mr. Bana and pawnbroker Phyllis Somerville; the excellent smaller roles, along with big name support from Ms. Barrymore and Mr. Duvall, are a casting director's dream - Mali Finn should feel as happy as his huckleberry namesake. Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan contribute great soundtrack songs. However, the film's thesis is not very clear. Did Duvall fake out Bana in the bathroom? Do people really threaten players with "Godfather"-type hits? And, are these people really a bunch of gambling addicts, as their behavior suggests?
****** Lucky You (5/1/07) Curtis Hanson ~ Eric Bana, Drew Barrymore, Robert Duvall, Debra Messing