"Money won is twice as sweet as money earned." (Fast Eddie)

Rating: Null/10 (30 June 2005)

The more of his movies I see, the more I think that Paul Newman may be the best actor of modern times. Here he is Fast Eddie Felson, a well-off liquor salesman, a former pool hustler, was one of the best. As he explained to young Vincent (Tom Cruise, 23), "Money won is twice as sweet as money earned", and that is what this movie is about. Although by his own admission he "has quit", Eddie misses the action and sees an opportunity to get back in by teaching the hustling game to brash, fiery, and talented Vincent, when he witnesses Vincent demoralizing one of the hustlers by beating him so easily. But Vince is a tough case, he is so competitive that he can't lose for the sake of suckering in a mark. By Eddie's accounting, if you lose a few hundred then you might win a few thousand when other hustlers think you are an easy mark. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is Carmen, Vincent's girlfriend. Helen Shaver is Janelle, Eddie's girlfriend. Good movie, especially for Newman and Cruise.
Tom Cruise made this movie around the same time as "Top Gun".
SPOILERS. The movie ends at Atlantic City during the big 9-ball tournament. When Vince and Eddie split, Eddie began training again, got new eye glasses, entered the tournament, determined to get his form back. "Money earned" was not good enough anymore. As luck would have it, Vince and Eddie met in the elimination bracket and, in a very close match Eddie won. He appeared at the height of his skill. But later Vince came to his room and gave Eddie $8000, his share of a hustle. Turns out he purposely lost to Eddie, to set up a bigger take. Eddie had taught him well, but was so distraught he forfeited his next match, he hadn't earned it. The movie ends with Eddie challenging Vince to a game, vowing to play him as long as it takes to beat him.