Character Driven, Road Movie About Raw Explosive Talent

Rating: 9/10 (16 April 2006)

Paul Newman's character "Fast" Eddie Felson, last seen as a wildly talented pool player in 1961's The Hustler, discovers "Vincent" an incredibly talented pool player, played with explosive energy by a young Tom Cruise.
This is essentially a character driven road movie that could be set around any sport or discipline where prodigal talent is seen as an opportunity to be exploited. Although, the pool hall settings and Scorsese's direction make it a whole lot cooler than a movie about bingo.
Scorsese's direction has never been better or more unselfconscious. The camera work is beautiful and intricate, but it never distract's your attention from the movie itself.
Frankly, this movie is just cool, very entertaining and highly re-watchable. Everything from the performances to the music is just the way it should be. Enjoy.