Cuedough

Rating: 7/10 (23 September 2013)

Like the man said sequels rarely equal let alone eclipse the original and this is no exception. We are, of course, comparing a glitzy colored movie replete with 'fancy' set ups, with a gritty black and white original that was happy to rely on the performances to 'sell' it, and secure in the knowledge that it had the performances nailed. There was also the tempo, leading up to the final showdown between Fast Eddie and Minnesota Fats - the very same technique employed - with equal success - in The Cincinnati Kid - where everything is leading to the showdown between the Kid and Lancey, the 'Man'. Clearly we can't do that here, otherwise Newman would have to double as Fast Eddie AND Minnesota Fats. On the other hand it is watchable, even although the vastly overrated Scorcese will never be as good as Rossen.