Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game

It's not a pretty film. It's hard to watch at times. Reality is not pretty. Getting old is not pretty. Life is hard. I hope you don't get old, but in case you do- or you love somebody who is- you might want to watch this. Great Actors- great acting- an interesting side story concerning the staff. I guess plot to fill in the blunt realities of the nursing home experience. I'm sure the staff of nursing homes have their own lives. And I'm sure not all nursing homes are this well managed and I'm sure there are some/many horror stories out there, but this is a good view of how many of the better ones are run and the daily things that go on in them. Old men with memories and regrets- the end of life. The dirty, the nasty, the sick, the ill, the work No- not that pleasant- maybe not even entertaining, but certainly real. We don't want real in our movies- we want fantasy. We don't want to watch how things are- we want watch what we wish they were. Sound track- Scenery- camera-could have been better, but not terrible.

Abe and phil (martin landau, paul sorvino) are old timers in the nursing home. They have conversations about what life was like before the home, and after moving in. A dose of reality. The real life interactions with the people living and working there; one wants to find her biological parents, another can't stop thinking about having sex. This guy thinks he has found a way to stop aging. Phil and abe take a field trip to a pub. And to angela's house, just to get away. The usual and unusual antics going on in a nursing home, with some wacky adventures thrown in. This moves pretty slowly, as expected, but the characters are likeable. With quite a bit of humor and sadness mixed in. Written and directed by howard weiner. His other big project was what is life, but not much info out there on it.

Captures an amazing performance from two award winning actors.

I did not know what to expect from this movie when I decided to watch it, but I sure am glad I decided to. I share some similarities with some of the characters and boy did it strike home with me. PLEASE watch this movie and it will help you appreciate people who are alone near the end of their lives. I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this movie. The acting was excellent and it should evoke many different emotions in older people. I would hope that it will help younger people see some of the situations you can get yourself into early in life that can revisit you unexpectedly as you grow older..

Title: Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game Director: Howard L. Weiner Cast: Martin Landau, Paul Sorvino, Maria Dizzia

In "Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game," a heartwarming and bittersweet drama, the late Martin Landau and the ever-talented Paul Sorvino deliver poignant performances as two elderly men who form an unlikely friendship in a nursing home. Directed by Howard L. Weiner, the film presents a tender exploration of friendship, love, and the realities of aging. With its stellar cast, which includes Maria Dizzia, "Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game" offers a touching portrayal of the human spirit and the importance of companionship in the twilight years of life.

Martin Landau, an accomplished actor known for his roles in "North by Northwest" (1959), "Crimes and Misdemeanors" (1989), and his Academy Award-winning performance in "Ed Wood" (1994), gives a deeply moving performance as Dr. Abe Mandelbaum, a retired physician who moves into a nursing home with his ailing wife. Landau's portrayal of Abe is characterized by vulnerability and tenderness, providing a touching representation of an elderly man grappling with the challenges of aging and a rapidly deteriorating spouse.

Paul Sorvino, best known for his performances in "Goodfellas" (1990) and "Romeo + Juliet" (1996), plays the charming and gregarious Phil Nicoletti, a long-term resident of the nursing home. Sorvino's ability to bring warmth and humor to the role of Phil creates a compelling character that perfectly complements Landau's more subdued performance. The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable, making their on-screen friendship both believable and endearing.

Maria Dizzia, an actress recognized for her roles in "Martha Marcy May Marlene" (2011) and "While We're Young" (2014), plays the compassionate and dedicated nurse, Angela. Dizzia delivers a heartfelt performance that highlights the emotional demands of her profession, as well as the profound impact that her patients have on her life. Her interactions with both Landau and Sorvino are genuine and serve to further humanize the story.

The film's script, written by director Howard L. Weiner, tells a story of friendship, love, and acceptance that transcends the limitations of age. With its delicate exploration of the themes of aging and loss, "Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game" serves as a powerful reminder of the value of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "Abe & Phil's Last Poker Game" is a deeply touching and poignant film that showcases the extraordinary talents of Martin Landau, Paul Sorvino, and Maria Dizzia. With its masterful storytelling and exceptional performances, this film provides a heartwarming exploration of the human experience and the power of friendship during life's most challenging moments. A must-watch for those seeking a sensitive and thought-provoking portrayal of aging, love, and companionship.

Streaming on Free Movie Channel on Roku.