Disappointing Sequel

Rating: 4/10 (23 October 2008)

Not a good movie. In the book, Fast Eddie gets Minnesota Fats to coach him in making his comeback. The Tom Cruise character did not exist (and was completely unnecessary). Jackie Gleason was still alive when they made this, but may have been too old to reprise his role as Fats.
The main problem is that Newman and Cruise do not connect. Cruise's acting is false and over-the-top and his character is just not credible. The pool sequences are well done but it is a lack-lustre movie overall.
While Paul Newman is good in the role, it is not an Oscar-worthy performance. The Academy must simply have decided that it was Newman's turn to get an Oscar.
So why did The Hustler work where this sequel does not? For a start, The Hustler had a much better screenplay, including some great quotable lines. But where The Hustler excelled was in the acting: The support cast of Myron McCormick, Piper Laurie, George C Scott and Jackie Gleason were first rate - with understated and totally believable performances...