Strong performances all around here - Gwyneth Paltrow, John C. Reilly, Philip Baker Hall, and Samuel L. Jackson - they all have really fine moments, and Philip Seymour Hoffman chips in a good one in his brief appearance too. The film is rather languorous, but it gradually reveals the rationale for why this old guy has taken a down on his luck gambler under his wing. It's still a pretty simple plot and felt like it could have had more punch though. On top of it, Reilly's character is such a weak dimwit that he's a little irritating to watch. Overall not bad though, and worth watching.
Review of Hard Eight
