Deck of Cards

Deck of Cards is Gregg Turkington's first feature length film as a director. Gregg Turkington is a man with a vast library of classic movies and movie knowledge rivaled by few others, so when he is at the helm one naturally pays attention.

With Deck of Cards, Turkington manages to put his own original spin on a story that we're all familiar with, namely the story of the deck of 52 playing cards we've all played with at some point in our lives whether it is a friendly card game with the family on vacation, or a night out at the casinos in Vegas.

For the attentive viewer the movie is imbued with references to old hollywood and classic movies, but it's at times also very fresh and action filled, reminding oneself of spy thrillers like Jack Reach and the James Bond series.

If there would be anything to detract from this film, it would have to be the political subtext that pops up throughout the movie that frankly seems a bit out of place. One could almost think that another director had been involved for parts of the movie.

All in all this is a great and exciting film, and the visual effects are STUNNING. At times, I was unable to tell what was real and what was CGI. It's amazing to see how far technology has come.

A film experience unlike any before.

Gregg Turkington's DECK OF CARDS tells a historical tale that somehow previously slipped through each and every one of our school textbooks and documentary collections up until this point. Profound beyond belief, DECK OF CARDS tells the true story of how we humans as we know ourselves nearly missed out on knowing how a deck of cards works, entirely.

While the writing and directing are equal parts challenging and and innovative, it's Tim Heidecker's dual performance as both Special Agemt JJ Denecker and the Jack of Cards that brings down the house in a walloping showcase of esteemed talent. Must be seen to believe.

Deck of Cards manages to be pretty entertaining despite plenty of "meddling" from the studio. A strong lead performance from critic-turned-writer/director/actor Gregg Turkington, plus ensemble charm from Mark Poach (Into the Shadows), Dudley Moore (Aurther series) and newcomer Christina Calph, keeps this ship afloat despite it being short on run time and full of plot holes thanks to Tim Heidecker's firing squad of editors at HEI Network. One cannot help but dream of the Full Deck of Cards if it were completed as intended, but now surely belongs only in the realm of legends as the footage was destroyed.

Once again mr turkington proves his unstoppable expertise. There's nothing more that needs to be said, so I'll share some other popcorn classics below.

Clara's Heart October 7, 1988 108 minutes Open your heart to this 5 bagger.

Something to Talk About August 4, 1995 105 minutes You'll be talking about why you can't give 6 bags to this 90's 5 bagger.

Return to Me April 7, 2000 115 minutes We all wish Bonnie Hunt would return to directing after seeing this 5 bagger.

A Business Affair 3 November 1995 102 minutes Christopher Walken is someone anyone would want to have an affair with in this 5 bagger.

Murphy's Romance December 25, 1985 107 minutes Everyone in tinseltown is talking about Corey Haim, see what the fuss is about in this 5 bagger.

Picture Perfect August 1, 1997 105 minutes Picture perfect is a perfect picture, classic 5 bagger.

One Fine Day December 20, 1996 108 minutes Any day would be a fine day to watch this 5 bagger.

It Had to Be You Oct 21, 2016 85 minutes It had to be 5 bags of organic, sustainably sourced popcorn for this indie 5 bagger.

Message in a Bottle February 12, 1999 131 minutes The message is "Sequel please Hollywood" in this 5 bagger.

I'm with Lucy 3 November 2002 90 minutes You'll love Lucy after sitting through this 5 bagger.

The Brothers March 23, 2001 102 minutes Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers... the whole family will enjoy this 5 bagger.

Save the Last Dance January 12, 2001 112 minutes The premise promises cliches in this classic 5 bagger.

Angel Eyes May 18, 2001 102 minutes J-Lo provides the eye-candy in this pre-9/11 5 bagger.

Mona Lisa Smile December 19, 2003 117 minutes Mona Lisa is smiling at all the Oscars she won in this 5 bagger.

I am loathe to use any movie "rating" system that fails to conform to the 5-bag system. That aside, what Gregg Turkington has accomplished with Deck of Card merits the highest rating possible (5 bags of popcorn is the limit).

While it is true the theatrical version of Deck of Cards was BUTCHERED by Tim Heidenker, Turkington's clear vision is still apparent. Nothing will prepare audiences for the fantastical world that Gregg created--a world where the Mummy, Dudley Moore, some woman riding a horse, and Jocker try to uncover who kidnapped the King of Hearts (Joe "Mr Money" Estevez). It's a wild-ride with stellar performances all around. I dare say even Michael Matthews (aka Laroux) shines as Jimmy Hendricks. Of course Mark Porch steals the whole movie with his masterful portrayal of multiple characters (e.g. Mummy, Einstein, and Billy Graham). This is one movie that Oscer cannot ignore. Best. Film. Ever.