Sour Grapes (1998 film)

Sour Grapes is a 1998 American black comedy film directed by Larry David in his feature directorial debut, and written by David and Ricky Blitt. The film stars Steven Weber and Craig Bierko as cousins whose relationship is strained after one wins a substantial amount of money using the other's coins.

The plot centers on the friendship and eventual animosity between cousins, Richie Vine (Weber) and Evan Maxwell (Bierko). Evan loans Richie two quarters to play a slot machine at a casino. Richie wins $400,000, leading Evan to feel he is entitled to half the winnings. Richie refuses, arguing that the coins were his, and a bitter feud ensues. As the conflict escalates, both characters engage in increasingly petty and vindictive acts against each other. The film explores themes of greed, envy, and the destructive nature of money.

The film was poorly received by critics and was a box office failure. It is often cited as an example of a film that failed to translate the humor of its creator (Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld and creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm) to the big screen.