User talk:Terry Bolger

A Review of Lucky You
First, let's set the record straight... Lucky You is a "poker movie"! If you are not a poker fan, don't expect to like the movie!

If you're a Drew Barrymore fan ( I am ), this is not her best offering. She has what amounts to a supporting role. Her character doesn't have the chance to evolve, neither does the relationship between her character and that of Eric Bana's.

Hanson retained countless professional poker players including Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Jennifer Harman, Sam Farha, Barry greenstein, Ted Forrest, Erick Lindgren and Sam O'Connor. He used Doyle as a special consultant on the poker scenes. He asked for, and received, and heeded, advice from many of the pro's as the scenes were shot. He painstakingly recreated Bellagio's poker room down to the last detail. Hanson sent his actors to poker camp so they would have an understanding of the game and be comfortable enough to appear like they belonged at the final table of The World Series. His attention to detail is what makes him such a great director. His pursuit of excellence is what makes Lucky You the most realistic poker movie to date!

I've read countless comparisons to Rounders, Maverick and the like... they almost all complain that Lucky You doesn't measure up. I disagree! While Rounders and Maverick were entertaining, well acted and more dramatic, they were certainly not realistic! Hanson, in his typical perfectionist style, sacrificed some of the plot in order to focus on the heart of the movie, poker! Yes, it plods along at times. So does a real life poker tournament.

I can't wait for the DVD. I hope it's packed with all the deleted scenes and bloopers!

--Terry Bolger 11:51, 21 May 2007 (UTC)