Rounders is helped by a rich cast, led by the increasingly more likable Matt Damon. John Turturro adds a quiet strength and dignity to his standard misfit prodigy character. The film has a surprisingly low-key feel, with many scenes filmed in dim rooms punctuated with hushed dialogue. It's an entertaining film, but it seems unlikely that Mike (Matt Damon) could go through what he goes through and maintain such a sunny disposition and steadfast sense of honor. The dialogue is rife with poker references and inside lingo. If a viewer has no understanding of the game of poker he/she will certainly be lost.