7 stars for a 9 ball pool delight

Rating: 7/10 (3 February 2020)

Enjoyable mid 1980s yarn from director Martin Scorsese starring two of the biggest names in cinema, a youthful Tom Cruise and a great, aged Paul Newman (now sadly late) reprising a role made famous from The Hustler (1961) as maverick pool hustler 'Fast' Eddie Felson.
Now I have as yet to watch that well regarded film. Whilst this may not have the same critical acclaim it is still an enjoyable film. Not a direct sequel.
Newman's performance won him the Best Actor Academy Award in 1987. Good it was but a part of me thinks more a lifetime achievement award?
Felson is now an aged, liquor salesman who spots some of his early talent in Vincent (Tom Cruise). Coaching and mentoring Vincent Eddie also gets his love of the sport back culminating in a performance at a pool tournament in Atlantic City.
Cruise delivers one of his earliest performances and I enjoyed it for what it's worth! Also look out for solid supporting performances from Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Vincent's partner Carmen.
The film boasts a typical synthesizer charged eighties soundtrack that even has some Phil Collins!
I was a little surprised to see that Scorsese directed. There are no Italian American gangster stock actors such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino or Joe Pesci in sight. All in all a more mainstream film from Scorsese to be honest.
Watching this has made the anticipation for The Hustler even greater!