Wow! Such a good movie.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

When an intruder is found in the house during the weekly poker game the buddies end up killing him. Deciding not to call the police they dump the body and swear secrecy. Unfortunately things turn deadly in the aftermath as someone starts looking for revenge and past misdeeds start to be aired. On top of that the body the thought was well hidden is discovered by the police… This is a good little thriller that moves along at a good clip. Its brief running time, its about 80 minutes assures that things keep moving. The brevity also works against the film in some ways since there are times when some of the characters get lost, I had to pause to think about who was whom since the names to faces didn't seem to really stick with me. Worth seeing as a rental or on cable. Between 6 and 7 out of 10

"The Poker Club" is truly a well-done film, providing a dynamic cast of characters, a gripping tale, great diversions, and the actors do a wonderful job in each of their roles. Kudos to Johnathon Schaech for his capable writing and smooth character portrayal. Oooo I love that guy! Kudos to Judy Reyes, playing her character so very well. She met this challenge!The story unfolds holding your interest because of the actors' capable performances. I'm not much on dramas but this captures your interest and holds your attention. I watched is several different nights and each time I found myself as interested as the first time. WONDERFUL FILM!

"The Poker Club", which I saw at a film festival, examines the bad choices we make when we take our life for granted, and shows how they can come back to haunt us. It is a thriller that, for the most part, keeps a strong momentum going, and has a lively cast of characters (although it is an unrealistically good looking group). It's a lot of fun to watch, is not going to strain anyone's braincells, but is much more emotionally involving than most films of this kind. Judy Reyes, who is from the TV show Scrubs, plays a detective. It's a much different role for her, and she gives a standout performance. Also, Lori Huering is very impressive.

I've been a fan of Tim McCann for a long time, an underrated, cult director who always brings a gritty, realistic edge to his films. While this is a more conventional story than the brooding, psychological Runaway, or the insane, disturbing, genre-bending Nowhere Man, the snappy direction and some nice performances elevate this crime drama. A few of the plot developments require a little willing suspension of disbelief, but that's often the case in these 'Hitchcockian' thrillers. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised, and happy to see the charismatic Loren Dean and a good jittery performance by McCann stalwart Michael Risley.