Watch High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story

High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story is a biographical film that was released in 2003. It is based on the real-life story of renowned professional poker player Stuart Errol Ungar, also known as Stu Ungar. The film features actors like Al Bernstein, Andrew N.S. Glazer, Michael Imperioli in lead roles. The film narrates the life story of Stu Ungar, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest poker players of all time. The film showcases his life from his early days to his rise as a poker legend.

Stu is shown to have a natural talent for gambling from a very young age. He begins with playing gin rummy at age 10 and quickly develops a passion for poker. He soon quits school and takes up playing cards as his livelihood.

The film goes back and forth between different time periods in Stu's life, including his childhood, his young adult years, and his later years when his addiction and health issues take over his life. It chronicles his rise to fame as a poker player, his downfall due to his addiction, and his eventual death in 1998 at the age of 45.

Throughout the film, we see the different sides of Stu Ungar's personality. On one hand, he is shown to be a fiercely competitive and highly skilled poker player. He is also portrayed as a loving husband and father, who cares deeply for his family. However, he also struggles with his addiction to drugs and gambling, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

The film showcases some of the most iconic moments in Stu's career as a poker player. It features his three Main Event victories at the World Series of Poker in 1980, 1981, and 1997. The film depicts how Stu's brilliance at the card table earned him huge money and respect but his addiction to gambling cost him more than he could ever afford to lose.

The film's narrative is tight, and the direction is well-paced. The acting is solid, and the cast delivers good performances. Michael Imperioli, who plays Stu Ungar, portrays him with depth, capturing his highs and lows. Andrew N.S. Glazer, who plays Mad Marty Wilson, a close friend of Stu's, delivers a nuanced performance. Bernstein, who plays himself, provides authentic narration and commentary; his demeanor is calming and authoritative, giving the audience an inside look at the world of poker.

The film's cinematography and recreations of poker scenes add to the realism. The poker scenes are meticulously represented, with each hand and decision explained for those not familiar with the game. The soundtrack, which features classic jazz and blues music, perfectly complements the atmosphere.

High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story is a fascinating portrait of a complex, enigmatic figure. The film offers a unique window into the world of high-stakes poker, its glitz and glamour, and the toll it can take on a player's life. It tells a poignant story of the rise and fall of a man who lived life on his terms and had to pay the ultimate price. The movie stands out not only as a good cinematic effort but also as a social comment on the perils of gambling and addiction. It is a watch for everyone who loves movies; it has a compelling storyline and excellent acting.

High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.