Abe & Phil’s Last Poker Game: A Pensionär Adventure

Alright, let’s chat about “Abe & Phil’s Last Poker Game.” I wasn’t sure what to expect, honestly. You know, when you get two legends like Martin Landau and Paul Sorvino in a movie together, it can either be pure magic or an utter mess. I’m happy to report it’s more the former. The film is directed by Howard Weiner, a name I didn’t quite recognize at first, yet his touch was intimate, like sharing a strong kaffe with an old friend.

The story presents a peculiar blend of friendship and desperation with a dash of elderly mischief—something Swedes like us might fondly remember from card games at grandpas’ summer cottages by the lake. It’s a bit like “On Golden Pond” but with a poker table instead of a canoe. Weiner digs deep into themes of aging and identity, giving us food for thought without being too preachy, like a smorgasbord of emotions.

One scene where Landau’s Abe talks with Phil about past regrets struck me with a pang of nostalgia. It reminded me of my own granddad, who’d sit with his buddies for hours, cigarette smoke swirling around like Stockholm fog, sharing stories both real and imagined. You could almost smell the old leather of the card table just thinking about it.

But, let’s be fair, it’s a mixed bag. While the humor works, sometimes the jokes felt a bit forced, like trying to teach a cat to bark. Yet, the chemistry between Landau and Sorvino is like watching a couple of old pros jibe and banter—a rhythmic dance, almost musical in their exchanges.

If you’re into slow-burners that give you something to ponder, this film might be your cup of bryggkaffe. Just don’t expect a flashy showdown or dramatic twist. It’s more about the journey, like a stroll through Gamla Stan, filled with surprising finds. And that, my friends, is a journey worth taking.

Check the trailer below