'Stuey' By Brian Kaplin

The image of Stuey "The Kid" Ungar recently resurfaced in one of the most unlikely places, sleepy Taos, New Mexico, in the foothills of the peaceful Rocky Mountains, home of the Taos Talking Pictures Film Festival. Far from the streets of New York and the glitz, glamour, and action of Stuey's three World Series of Poker championships in Las Vegas, director A.W. Vidmer presented the world premiere showing of his movie, Stuey.

Vidmer is an artist painting a portrait of a unique individual. In 114 minutes, Vidmer is able to compress Stuey's tumultuous life in a very stirring, graphic depiction of an out-of-control existence. Vidmer's biggest brush stroke was the selection of Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos) to portray Stuey, possibly the biggest challenge of his career. You will not be disappointed with his portrayal; it was authentic in both personality and appearance. Stuey's many addictions (demons) overshadowed his successes. Vidmer's many years of research gave him the insight to take us through Stuey's difficult and unusual youth in New York to his third World Series of Poker championship. You will feel the emotions and frustration as Vidmer and Imperioli take you on Stuey's self-destructive life's journey. Ironically, Stuey finds Red Rock Canyon as a place to escape and reflect.

The musical scores are well-integrated throughout the film. Many characters crisscrossed Stuey's life, but few were there to help him, as is reflected in the flashbacks of his life when he awakens in his seedy, semilit hotel room to a mysterious cigar-smoking stranger. Those who know the legend will relate to the film, and those who did not know Stuey will know him after seeing the film. The film is more than a poker story; it's a human story that reveals the frailties of a man who climbed a mountain everyone said couldn't be climbed, only to slip at the top and fall into the abyss of despair.

It's a very entertaining film with a dynamic performance by Michael Imperioli and an outstanding supporting cast of Michael Pasternak (The Jazz Singer), Pat Morita (The Karate Kid), Joe LaDue (Indecent Proposal), Michael Nouri (Little Vegas), and Steve Schirripa (The Sopranos). While the movie's date of release in theaters everywhere has not been confirmed, it should take place in the upcoming months.