great pool movie

Rating: Null/10 (7 August 2000)

The Color of Money was not only the first R-rated movie I ever saw, it was my introduction to brilliant filmmaker Martin Scorsese. I have seen and enjoyed most of his films. This is among my favorite Scorsese films.

The script by Richard Price (Clockers) is strong. Paul Newman reprises his role of Fast Eddie Felson from The Hustler. Tom Cruise plays Vincent, the talented young pool player who reminds Eddie of himself when he was younger. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio was never sexier than she is in this movie.
The pool scenes are filmed nicely. The chemistry between Newman, Cruise and Mastrantonio is very good. Once again, Scorsese's choice of music is superb (particularly Eric Clapton's "It's In The Way That You Use It"). Newman won a much-deserved Oscar for his role in this film. A strong effort from the talented people involved make this one of Scorsese's best, although it doesn't quite reach the level of masterpieces like Raging Bull, Goodfellas or Casino. 8/10