Shade
Director: Damian Nieman
Actors: Joe Nicolo, Carl Mazzocone Sr., George Tovar
PlotIn the bustling cityscape of Los Angeles, a group of sleight-of-hand experts and professional card sharps are on a quest to exploit the high-stakes world of underground poker for financial gain. The group is led by Charlie Miller, a seasoned card cheat whose skills in deception are nearly unrivaled. He partners with Tiffany, a con artist with a knack for manipulation, and Vernon, a skilled but overconfident card player whose bravado often lands him in trouble. Together, they set their sights on "The Dean," an elusive and legendary poker player known for his almost supernatural ability to read opponents and control the game.
As the team meticulously plans and executes smaller cons to build their reputation and bankroll, tension and mistrust begin to grow within the group. Old grudges resurface, and personal vendettas are hard to ignore, especially as they inch closer to challenging The Dean in a final, high-stakes poker match. Their stakes are not just monetary; for each member, this confrontation represents a chance at redemption, revenge, or finally proving their worth in the world of professional deception. However, the complications of their human flaws and unforeseen obstacles threaten to unravel their carefully laid plans before they can complete their ultimate con.
Writers: Damian Nieman
Release Date: 09 May 2004
Runtime: 101 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Shade offers nuanced performances and engaging high-stakes tension, though it's occasionally cluttered; video quality is sporadic, but audio and extras are solid.
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