In many, many ways, this is highly reminiscent of the mockumentaries made by Christopher Guest--especially "Best in Show". So, the idea isn't super original--but it is rather enjoyable. One thing you should be aware of, however, is that the movie is a bit crude--so you might want to think twice about having kids or your mother-in-law watch it.

The film purports to be a film about a winner-take-all poker tournament in Las Vegas. And, like "Best in Show" is features certain key players AND has a color commentator much like Fred Willard's clueless commentator--but this one is intent on selling his book on how to be a great poker player (and some of Mr. Werbe's tips are hilarious). Many of the individuals featured are quite funny. The one that struck me most was 'the German'--played wonderfully by the film director Werner Herzog. His character was VERY scary and made me laugh--especially since it was Herzog--who you DON'T think of as a funny guy! I also loved Gabe Kaplan as the demented father of two of the top contenders. He was absolutely horrible--but made me laugh. Overall, it's original, funny and engaging.

By the way, if you do watch it, a couple things you may want to look for would include Harold Melvin (who is a pretty classic individual with Asperger's Syndrome) and the website. As for Melvin, his name is actually taken from a 1970s soul group--Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes who sand "If You Don't Know Me By Now" (a great song). And the website that one of them hawks on their baseball caps is NOT a real website--I checked.

"The Grand" is a mockumentary about six internet poker players who gather in Las Vegas for a $10 million, winner-take-all tournament.

A game, eclectic cast - Woody Harrelson, Hank Azaria, Chris Parnell, Ray Romano, Werner Herzog, Gabe Kaplan - struggles with a mediocre script that, in tone as well as in style, steals clumsily from all those far superior Christopher Guest movies like "Waiting for Guffman," "Best in Show" and "A Mighty Wind." In the case of "The Grand," the humor is largely lacking, as each eccentric character plays out his little assigned shtick over and over and over again.

As executed by writer/director Zak Penn, the poker scenes are particularly languid and lifeless and utterly incomprehensible to any non-poker players who may happen to be a part of the audience.

This is a fairly plot-less quirky movie about a poker tournament. The film gives you the background of a number of fictional players, and then you watch them play cards and interact. THE PLAYERS:

"One Eye" Jack Faro (Woody Harrelson)- Has spent his last 2 years in rehab. Has never met a girl he didn't marry or a drug he didn't like. Wants to save the casino he inherited.

Harold Melvin (Chris Parnell)- He is a math nerd who his heavily into "Dune". Lives at home with his mother (Estelle Harris)....by will alone.

Laine Schwartzman (Cheryl Hines)She is from Long Island and has always been her Dad's (Gabe Kaplain) favorite. She is married to Fred (Ray Romano ) who has been hit by lightning and is not all together, but is functional. He likes to make up handshakes and sayings.

Lanny Schwartzman- (David Cross) The nerdy brother of Laine. She always beat him at games as a child. Nobody beats her at Candyland...ask her kids.

Deuce Fairbanks (Dennis Farina)- Old time poker gambler.

The German (Werner Herzog)- He is also an old time gambler. He enjoys all kinds of gambling and killing small animals.

Andy Andrew (Richard Kind)- He is the new breed of Internet gambler, a math teacher from Wisconsin. His wife Sharon (Judy Greer ) owns the finest ribbon shop in Dour Wisconsin.

The movie is hit and miss. If you are into the characters, you will find a film worthy of a view. If not, you will be bored to tears. It is difficult to determine that before you watch it. I like Woody, so for me it was an easy choice.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, no real sex, magazine nudity...which didn't make sense, but then again I don't think it was supposed to make sense.