Written and directed by newcomer Paul Thomas Anderson, Hard Eight is an engaging independent film with the staccato rhythm of a David Mamet play -- but with unexpected warmth.

Paul Thomas Anderson's stylish, noirish feature debut so transcends its worn-out plot that for a while you believe you're seeing a film about something important: goodness, no less.

The real mystery here is how first-time writer/director Paul Anderson persuaded anyone to put up money for this movie. He may have no talent for making movies, but he has an amazing talent for getting a movie made that shouldn't have been.

It's a much more difficult thing to treat characters like this with the respect that everyone deserves. The dialogue is sharp, too, but it's Anderson's choice of Reno as his location that also helps raise the level in this film.