Bulwark Takes Rounders Bombed—Then Became a CLASSIC | Bulwark Movie Club
Oct 29, 2025
The hosts delve into the cult classic poker film Rounders, exploring its initial flop and resurgence thanks to online gambling. They share personal gambling stories and debate whether Teddy KGB might be the unlikely hero. With a nod to the film’s rich poker lingo, they discuss its impact on viewers and moral questions surrounding the characters. The conversation also touches on modern cheating scandals and the societal implications of sports betting, leaving listeners excited about the gambling world.
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A Dante Lens On Mike McD's Journey
- JVL offers a Dante reading: Teddy KGB and other characters act as guides and devils in Mike McD's moral descent and rebirth.
- The film can be read as an allegory about sin, guidance, and personal transformation.
The Movie's True Stakes Are Moral
- Sonny argues the real stakes are Mike McD's soul: should he go straight or remain corrupted by gambling and friends.
- Worm and surrounding characters constantly pull him away from a lawful life, making the moral arc central.
Who The Real Villains Are
- Sonny and JVL debate villainy: Worm is the central corrupting force while Teddy KGB operates by a code and may not be pure villainy.
- The film distinguishes petty thugs (Grandma) from code-bound figures like KGB and Knish.
