High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story

So, have you ever thought a bit too much about poker? I mean, seriously, I didn’t even know a person could become so famous just for playing cards until I watched “High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story.” In my head, I kept thinking about my grandpa, who’d lose at Skitgubbe every Christmas—not exactly high stakes, though…

Anywho, this film dives deep into the gritty, chaotic life of Stu Ungar, played by the one and only Michael Imperioli. You might remember him as Christopher from “The Sopranos,” always looking a bit too cool for his own good. Directed by A.W. Vidmer, “High Roller” tries to capture the fast-paced ebb and flow of Stu’s genius—and his implosion, I suppose.

Let’s talk about highs and lows. You can feel the speed, the adrenaline of Vegas nights, similar to my first time in Stockholm’s darkly-lit casinos, which usually just left me with lighter pockets. There’s this electricity in the atmosphere, driven by Imperioli’s intense performance. I remember thinking, “Wow, the man knows how to shuffle drama, just like a pro!”

But—oh man, here comes the ‘but’—there’s some pacing issues. Sometimes, it drags on like my cousin Lars’ fishing stories—endless and meandering! I think it’d benefit from a bit of the ol’ Swedish efficiency.

Now, credit where it’s due—Imperioli’s transformation into Stu, the genius and the wreck, is something to admire. And the film def lays bare the price of brilliance, which reminds me of the time I played poker with Janne Lindgren… Only to realize I can’t bluff to save my life!

In the end, “High Roller” is a wild ride, maybe like taking the Tunnelbana after a few too many. You’ll laugh, feel a bit dizzy, and maybe, just maybe, learn a thing or two about hustling—real and metaphorical.

So, what do you reckon? Worth a watch? Maybe. Bring your curiosity… and patience!

Check the trailer below