Quartile rating: 5.5/10 · 1 rating
A yearly high-stakes poker game between childhood friends turns into chaos when the tech billionaire host unveils an elaborate scheme to seek revenge for the ways they've betrayed him over the years. But as his plans unfold, a group of thieves hatch plans of their own breaking into the mansion thinking it is empty. The old friends quickly band together and the years of playing the game help them win their way through a night of terror.
Poker Face (2022) is a fairly generic thriller that blends elements of Clue-style friend-group betrayal with a home-invasion heist. The plot is derivative, mixing familiar revenge thriller beats with a by-the-numbers Die Hard-lite scenario without bringing much fresh to either. Russell Crowe anchors the acting with reasonable presence, though the ensemble is uneven. Visually, the film is competent but unremarkable, with little distinctive cinematography to elevate the material. The resolution feels rushed and unsatisfying, failing to capitalize on the premise's potential. Overall it's a watchable but forgettable genre entry that doesn't distinguish itself in any meaningful way.