The Poker House (2008)

80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(22,999 ratings)

Actress-turned-director Lori Petty makes her feature directorial debut with this period drama set in 1976 that explores a typical day in the life of a decidedly atypical teen named Agnes. Some folks have the luxury of living each day to the fullest, but for Agnes every day is a grueling struggle for… More Actress-turned-director Lori Petty makes her feature directorial debut with this period drama set in 1976 that explores a typical day in the life of a decidedly atypical teen named Agnes. Some folks have the luxury of living each day to the fullest, but for Agnes every day is a grueling struggle for survival; her mother is strung out on drugs, her home has been overrun by degenerates, and her only father figure is a pimp. For Agnes and her two younger sisters, this particular day will be marked by both tragedy and triumph, but which will resonate most in the days and weeks to follow? Selma Blair, Bokeem Woodbine, and David Alan Grier star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Lori Petty
Written By: Lori Jo Petty, David Alan Grier, Lori Petty
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jun 20, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Aug 18, 2009
Studio: Phase 4 Films

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Regardless of whether the film is all fiction or all true or a mix, it has a ring of truth about it strong enough to sustain a defy-all-odds finish.
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
The movie seemed to point a finger at its own audience and scold it for its ignorance of this problem and apparent unwillingness to help.
Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile
One of those autobiographical films... like Running With Scissors... that shows how children can survive and even prosper emotionally, spiritually (eventually) despite a ghastly childhood
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...a very personal film, told in a very personal manner, its author's individual touches everywhere evident.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...the acting is so good and the girls' struggle to rise above their oppression is so affecting, it's hard to knock the film's intentions.
John Wheeler, L.A. Weekly
The Poker House is one of the most personal, wounded films in years. That it is also one of the most confused reflects how deeply it springs from the psyche of its director.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

This is one movie that had GREAT potential, but became a victim of the editing chopping block maybe? There was so much here that seemed to be left out, not well explained, not well potrayed. What was here, however, was amazingly good. The young actresses were just wonderful, and the… More
This is one movie that had GREAT potential, but became a victim of the editing chopping block maybe? There was so much here that seemed to be left out, not well explained, not well potrayed. What was here, however, was amazingly good. The young actresses were just wonderful, and the idea/style of the movie was compelling. Unfortunately, there just seemed to be so much missing to tie it all together....what a shame..
Leigh R

Watching the three girls is pure hell... but it gives you such a great feeling of hope. Of everything they have been through they are coping with their reality and making things better for themselves. Great job by Jennifer for her character. All I can really say is,… More
Watching the three girls is pure hell... but it gives you such a great feeling of hope. Of everything they have been through they are coping with their reality and making things better for themselves. Great job by Jennifer for her character. All I can really say is, "Kudos!" to Lori for giving us her story. Bold and beautiful...
♥˩ƳИИ &

CAST: Jennifer Laurence, Selma Blair, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloe Moretz, Sophia Bairley, David Allen Grier DIRECTED BY: Lori Petty SUMMARY: The film is a riveting portrait of poor, small town life in Iowa, circa 1976; reviving the spirit of Marvin Gaye, seedy bars, and the ever… More
CAST: Jennifer Laurence, Selma Blair, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloe Moretz, Sophia Bairley, David Allen Grier DIRECTED BY: Lori Petty SUMMARY: The film is a riveting portrait of poor, small town life in Iowa, circa 1976; reviving the spirit of Marvin Gaye, seedy bars, and the ever present allure of illicit activities and substances. Agnes, the oldest of three sisters lives with her drug addicted mother in the 'Poker House' - a brothel, drug Mecca and gambling oasis for local squatters. MY THOUGHTS: Just very sad. I mean the pure hell those three girls go through. GREAT performances from Selma Blair, Jennifer Lawrence, Chloe Moretz, and Sophia Bairley. This true story is told in Agnes point of view and with commentary by her through out the film. The poetry is deep and gut wrenching. I loved the ending, if you can call it that. It felt like more of a beginning. A great film. Not one, of my Flixster friends have seen it. Hopefully some of you do.. Definitely a story worth hearing.
Mark A

The Poker House is a powerful film based on the true story of writer-director Lori Petty and featured a terrific performance by Jennifer Lawrence as Agnes, the 14 year-old daughter of a drug and drink addled woman (played by Selma Blair) who sells her body to buy more liquor. There is… More
The Poker House is a powerful film based on the true story of writer-director Lori Petty and featured a terrific performance by Jennifer Lawrence as Agnes, the 14 year-old daughter of a drug and drink addled woman (played by Selma Blair) who sells her body to buy more liquor. There is no food in the cupboards, and Agnes is left to run interference for her two younger sisters, while juggling two jobs and starring for her school's basketball team. As if all of this is not enough for a young girl to have to deal with, Agnes draws the attention of her mother's pimp, and is seduced by his charm. This is a dark film and is hard to stomach at times, but the acting by all is superb and there are some lighter moments that occasionally dispel the gloom. The wonder here is that anyone could endure such a horrible start in life and still wind up a functioning human being. One sees from this, that Jennifer Lawrence is no light weight. The girl has some acting chops!
Joey S

The script is pretty mediocre and the ending leaves a few questions unanswered, but this drama packs an emotional punch and a few very powerful scenes that make it a decent watch. It's not a great movie by any means, but it's good enough, and it's worth watching if only… More
The script is pretty mediocre and the ending leaves a few questions unanswered, but this drama packs an emotional punch and a few very powerful scenes that make it a decent watch. It's not a great movie by any means, but it's good enough, and it's worth watching if only to hear Jennifer Lawrence and Chloe Moretz sing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" at the end.
Christopher H

It becomes apparent very early on that Jennifer Lawrence has the wear-with-all to stick around as an actress for a long time coming. Her poise and delivery at such a young, inexperienced age rivals most adult actresses that I have witnessed. Chloe Moretz also outshines all the adults… More
It becomes apparent very early on that Jennifer Lawrence has the wear-with-all to stick around as an actress for a long time coming. Her poise and delivery at such a young, inexperienced age rivals most adult actresses that I have witnessed. Chloe Moretz also outshines all the adults in this film and though I feel many of her best moments are happy accidents coming from a child, her talent cannot be denied.