Paul Thomas Anderson's first notable movie has the feeling of a Coen Brothers film. Anderson regular Philip Baker Hall plays an elderly man who helps a young man (John C. Reilly, also an Anderson regular) pay for his mother's funeral by teaching him how to get by in Las Vegas, only to have to get involved later due to an unpleasant situation. "Hard Eight" isn't any masterpiece, but definitely has a realistic feeling, with dialog that really strikes me. Despite its weaknesses, the movie also has the same strengths that Anderson later brought to "Boogie Nights", "Magnolia", and "There Will Be Blood". Worth seeing.
Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Robert Ridgely, and Melora Walters (the last three are also Anderson regulars).
Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Robert Ridgely, and Melora Walters (the last three are also Anderson regulars).