The film has a shambling charm that actively disputes an unspoken notion that a documentary must be well-structured in order to effectively land its points.
The opinions assembled are impressive: everyone from "Rounders'" Matt Damon to former senator Al D'Amato, a poker defender. But where's the voice of reason? It's card playing, not a dependable income.
60
New Orleans Times-PicayuneMike Scott
New Orleans Times-PicayuneMike Scott
At worst, though, the film's faintly sleazy bait-and-switch tactic robs the film of its biggest asset -- its sense of fun.
50
Village Voice
Village Voice
Instead of sustaining a significant cultural story, at almost two hours, All In feels like an energetic but overlong highlight reel.
Loaded with history, interviews, hole-cam drama and some rather grand digressions, Douglas Tirola's picture seems a bit late for the poker craze, and at any rate will be preaching largely to the converted.
The film, though, is so padded with cheerleading that it doesn't have time for a serious exploration of poker's place in the broader culture or the consequences of its rapid rise and global reach.