The Color of Money

Rating: 7/10 (9 January 2008)

If you have seen The Hustler, then you would know that this is the sequel from director Martin Scorsese (GoodFellas, The Departed), and apparently the flashier film. Paul Newman reprises his role as pool shark and "hustler" 'Fast Eddie Felson, and won an Oscar (and was nominated the Golden Globe). Basically Eddie has been forced into retirement, and he enters a relationship with promising young pool player Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), along with his girlfriend Carmen (Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). In this relationship Eddy finds himself, self-respect and redemption, and as they travel he realises how much he lost, but he can see history beginning to repeat itself. Vincent has a habit of showing off his talent, and by doing so is losing players/opponents and money. In an effort to avert tragedy, Eddy ends the relationship, and returns to his love of pool. Finally, in a big Atlantic City tournament, Vincent returns the favour by teaching the final lesson to Eddy allowing him to finish his quest for rediscovery. Also starring Helen Shaver as Janelle, John Turturro as Julian, Bill Cobbs as Orvis, Robert Agins as Earl at Chalkie's, Keith McCready as Grady Seasons, Carol Messing as Casino Bar Band Singer/Julian's Flirt, Steve Mizerak as Duke, Eddie's First Opponent, Alvin Anastasia as Kennedy, Joe Guastaferro as Chuck the Bartender, then little known Forest Whitaker as Amos and Iggy Pop Skinny Player on Road. The pool games are interesting to watch, both Newman and Cruise have their moments in their roles, and good direction from Scorcese, a good film. It was nominated the Oscars for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. Tom Cruise was number 32, and Paul Newman number 16 on The 100 Greatest Movie Stars on The 100 Greatest Movie Stars, Cruise was also number 25 on The 100 Greatest Sex Symbols, and he was number 81 on The 100 Greatest Pop Culture Icons. Very good!