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Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Many years ago, I watched the Hustler. I think I found the movie on one of the all-time best lists or maybe AFI. I can’t remember why I picked it. When I didn’t have cable, Netflix, or any streaming service, the only entertainment I had was a library card. Ironically, the library had the Hustler, and I checked it out. Here is a quick rundown of the Hustler. It stars Paul Newman as “Fast Eddie” Felson, a small-time pool hustler who desires to find his spot in the big leagues of professional hustling and high-stakes wagering in pool. Even though Eddie has extreme raw talent and ambition, he might’ve bitten off more than he can chew. He decides he can compete on the same level as the best player in the country and legendary pool player, “Minnesota Fats,” played by Jackie Gleason. I will let you watch that movie as I don’t want to spoil it.
Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, The Color of Money happens 25 years later. It continues the story of pool hustler and stake horse Edward “Fast Eddie” Felson (Newman). Eddie is now a retired pool hustler who has become a successful Chicago liquor salesman. Despite his success, Eddie still stakes bets for players, including fellow hustler Julian (Turturro). During an evening out with his girl, Julian is outmatched at nine-ball by the young and charismatic Vincent Lauria (Cruise). Eddie recognizes Vincent’s skill but also his girlfriend Carmen’s (Mastrantonio) inexperience at luring players to lose money. Eddie seeing potential in the couple for hustling, offers them an opportunity to learn and make money by going six weeks on the road culminating in a nine-ball tournament in Atlantic City to win the largest single match purse in pool history of $100,000. As the trip gets underway, Eddie and Vincent’s personalities soon clash.
Let’s talk about the acting in this film. This was the role Paul Newman won his first and only Academy Award. After 25 years, the legend came back for another round. What I like about Newman is that he showed maturity in his character. Once the hot shot, he is now a man who knows the game and how to play it well. Playing the game of nine-ball is one thing, but hustling is a game in itself, and he knows how to do it to the highest levels. Newman had a way of controlling the scene and the film. Without him, this film would be a bore.
Let me start off with Mr. Tom Cruise. You have played some annoying roles in your career, but damn did I hate you in this film. As Vincent, I am really surprised Paul Newman’s character didn’t hit you over the head with a pool stick. You were cocky, a pain in the ass, didn’t follow any instructions, and beyond jealous. Did you learn how to hustle at the end? Yes, you did, but damn did it have to be the expense of the film. I swear you made this film tortuous to watch.
As far as the story goes, it was really good. It was a worthy sequel to the Hustler. Seeing “Fast Eddie” Felson taking on a protegee that has all the talent in the world but is crap at hustling people is a strong story. The story focuses more on the characters’ relationships and motivations than the pool. Eddie believes that Vincent can be a great hustler but needs more maturity. Vincent believes he is the best in the world but is so cocky and throws people off.
It is entertaining to see the pair try to work together and score big at the big tournament in Atlantic City. I will first say that Eddie’s fee is freakin large. He hustled the group out of people with the fee alone. Eddie tries to teach Vincent the ways of hustling, but dude is so hard-headed that he can’t think of playing below his level. Eddie tries to teach Vincent lessons. One is he gets his ass beat in a pool hall. In another, Eddie plays up on Carmen, Vincent’s girlfriend, because he knows Vincent will be beyond jealous. Vincent getting tired of Eddie decides to play everyone and showboats like the world is watching. He lets that music play and whips everyone but loses on a big score.
Where the story gets really good is when Eddie decides to drop Vincent. Eddie plays a few rounds of pool and notices that he was hustled. Feeling like shit, Eddie gets in shape, gets new glasses, and trains for the tournament. Homeboy went hard. When the tournament came around, Eddie was on a mission t win the whole thing. It was thrilling that Eddie’s opponent was Vincent in the semi-finals. The two went at it until Eddie came out victorious. Feeling good, Eddie forfeits the finals. Vincent tells him that he hustled him and bet on Eddie to make a major winning profit. As you can tell, Vincent is a major dick. I love how Eddie was like, “hell naw. We going to play, and I’m going to beat your ass here and the next place and the next place.”
I want to give some credit to Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Carmen. I forgot that she was in Scarface, and damn, homegirl was beautiful. She has this one scene where you might have to rewind and pause. She was the inexperienced girlfriend who put up with Vincent but wanted to learn from Eddie. She seemed like she was not fulfilled by Vincent.
The Color of Money is a fantastic film. Does it live up to the Hustler? Naw, but it is a decent sequel. Paul Newman is outstanding in his role, and I am happy that he won the Academy Award. A legendary actor that won in his lifetime. Tom Cruise, you can kiss my ass from this role. You were such an annoying prick. Watch the Hustler first, play two games of pool and then watch this film.
