The Poker House (2008)
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80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews) -
62% of users liked it
(23,453 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
- Directed By
- Lori Petty
- Written By
- Lori Jo Petty, David Alan Grier, Lori Petty
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Jun 20, 2008 Wide
- Studio
- Phase 4 Films
Critic Reviews
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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.
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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.
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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
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...a very personal film, told in a very personal manner, its author's individual touches everywhere evident.
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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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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