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Summary: An Important and Memorable Debut from P.T. Anderson
Review: Talk about a more-than-impressive debut from a very important director, P.T. Anderson's "Hard Eight" hits all of the right notes at all of the right times. It's a film that's built around characters and dialogue rather than plot. It's a film that takes you for an unpredictable ride into the unknown and delivers a good time. Debuts come and go, but rarely do they come in top-form like this. A film noir filled with drama, humor and heart, "Hard Eight" is a very satisfying film that is enjoyable to watch.Sidney is an old timer who used to be a successful gambler. He stumbles upon a not-so-lucky John, who is pretty much broke. Sidney unexpectedly takes him under his wing and helps him get back on his feet. The two become very close friends as time goes by and as John's winning streak improves more and more. However, John's going to need serious help from Sidney later on, and it's something that's a lot more serious than money troubles in this very involving film noir that is both thoughtful and dark. As with the other P.T. Anderson films, I had no idea what to expect from this movie. And that's what's so great about him. No film is ever the same, and each film has a look and feel of its own. In no way could P.T. Anderson ever be a one-trick director. It is apparent that he has MANY tricks up his sleeves, and has only begun to reveal them to us. The film certainly stands out from other debuts. It's got a strong cast, a smart screenplay, and a certain direction it wants to take. The film is complex, but not because of the plot. It is complex because the characters themselves are complex. That is what's so unique about the film. You want to take the time to get to know the characters. Not for story's sake, but because you actually want so know what makes each character tick. The acting is superb, and I don't use that term lightly. Philip Baker Hall steals the show and certainly does know his stuff. John C. Reilly also gives it his all, which leads to successful results. Everybody else is great too, but it's clear that the movie is a success because of those two particular actors. Still, it must be said that Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel L. Jackson are also very impressive in the movie as well. The DVD has a few extras; not many, but enough to keep us happy. The picture and sound quality is really great. You have the choice of watching the movie in its original widescreen format or you can view it in fullscreen. Extras included are commentaries, trailers, a deleted scene, and Sundance Institute filmmaker lab scenes. Not the most explosive DVD package, but it gives enough to satisfy. "Hard Eight" is a great film for many reasons. It's smart, involving, electric and powerful. This is not something to see if you're looking for a movie with lots of action, shoot-outs, car chases and so on. If you're looking for a smart film noir that's more focused on characters rather than plot, this is the film to check out. P.T. Anderson is an impressive filmmaker, and an important one as well. So far it's always been a joy to watch his movies. It may take time to get used to him, but once you give him the chance, he really grows on you.
Rating: 
Summary: P.T. Anderson's very worthy debut
Review: "Hard Eight", also known as "Sydney", is the first film written and directed by P.T. Anderson, one of the most gifted filmmakers working today. The film itself, while not as ambitious or sweeping as Anderson's subsequent efforts "Boogie Nights" and "Magnolia", is an extremely impressive debut. The film succeeds by paring down to the essentials: a very small cast, a bare bones, minimalistic plot, and a limited number of settings. Using this stripped down approach, the film achieves a quiet intensity and humor and manages to elicit top notch performances from the cast.
The film deals with issues of past mistakes and the struggle to make amends for these mistakes. Sydney, played by Phillip Baker Hall, is a man haunted by his past and seeking to wipe the slate clean in a very unique fashion. However, Sydney seeks to make up for his mistakes without ever having to truly face them or atone for them. The question that remains though is whether or not Sydney's efforts have truly assuaged his guilt and soothed his conscience. This makes for a truly intriguing story about a man and the lengths he will go to in order to avoid facing his problems. In the end, Anderson's final shot presents us with a strong symbol of the philosophy Sydney has adopted in order to continue to live his life.
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Summary: A polished gem
Review: This is one of my favorite movies. First, it is stuffed with the greatest character actors working today. Philip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Samuel L. Jackson, and even Philip Seymour Hoffman has a small, grand part. Although the story revolves around crime and gambling, I would not call it a crime drama. It is a beautifully crafted character-driven story with great writing and performances. John C. Reilly never fails to be very memorable, and the understated grimness of Philip Baker Hall had me glued to the set, wondering what was going on in his head. Samuel L. Jackson is magic as well, turning what in some films would be a stock character emotional depth and life. Gweneth Paltrow is so good it made me wish she hadn't made it so big so she could do more parts like this. This film comes very close to being perfect. There is not a wasted second or a wasted word. The film editing is incredible, with every scene ending just as your focus is at its zenith.
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Summary: GO West Young Man
Review: This movie has a kind of lean reality.Should be more like it.Fans of loud car chases and bad dialouge will not enjoy.
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Summary: P.T. Anderson's Best Movie By Far
Review: Hard Eight is the best movie done by Paul Thomas Anderson because this shows the undeniable, raw talent that he brings to the screen. Every thing in this movie is so right. The acting, dialogue, directing, and music are unforgettable. I love the fact that Anderson was not afraid to use an almost unknown actor like Phillip Baker Hall and show the world that he can be a great leading man. This movie also has the only performance by Gwyn Paltrow that I could honestly say was very good. Other Anderson regulars like Phillip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly are also fantastic. If you even remotely enjoy Anderson's work, then you will love this!!!
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Summary: Mametian Drama About Gamblers, Cons, Extortion...
Review: ...and honor amongst the low lifes of Reno. Samuel L. is his charmingly malicious self and Paltrow plays the innocent looking female hustler who becomes the Kid's new bride. The moovy is as moody as the life grifters and small scam men generally lead. It is like Mamet, therefore, in mood, but not necessarily in language.
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Summary: Real Vegas life in a well done film .
Review: This movie is kind of slow , get prepared for it . Deep and very honest film . You'll find here professional gamblers and professional hustlers . Streetsmarts and life naives . From my point of view - the one of the best Vegas movies , I've ever seen ( And I seen a lot of them ). It showes you real undeground Vegas life at it best . Without cheap mafia storys , without chaces and crashing planes . It opens every character from many different perspectives , including the background and a lifestory , which brout them in that kind of life ... I had to live in this kind of circuls from time to time .
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Summary: Unlike his two masterpieces that followed
Review: Paul Thomas Anderson is a director to follow in today's industry. This is a good example why. This is a very good movie that didn't seem completely finished. Explanation...this was his debut for a film studio that didn't have complete faith in him. His production team took the reigns and forced this movie to be the length that they felt was ideal. But the character development of this movie really suffered as a result. The scope of the emotional trappings of the characters in this film were not fully realized. It was a beautiful surprise ending and the movie played out very logically, very real, and the end product was a very slick, personal film noir. There are some critics who would not change a thing about this movie. And maybe if I didn't know how well Anderson develops characters, I would not be so critical about this movie. Very good movie, slick plot, but it was unfinished.
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Summary: 100% Taut
Review: This movie was razor sharp. The acting is top notch. I haven't seen a movie this excellent, and low-budget, with this few main characters, since Glengarry GlenRoss, and this movie slices that in half. Philip Baker Hall gives a knife-edged performance "worthy of an oscar nomination." Why the quotes you ask? Because lately it seems the Oscars given out for acting aren't about acting at all. I mean, was Russell Crowe really the "best actor" of 2000? I think not. Bottom line: Get this DVD, you won't regret it. It's the chronic.
Rating: 
Summary: Oh My God! I can't believe I wasted time watching this..
Review: ..complete muck! It's almost as bad as "south of heaven, west of hell"
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