The Color of Money Reviews and Ratings


  • paullewis2004
    January 19, 2008
    paullewis2004
    Very good story, with great direction.
  • viennawaits1
    January 5, 2008
    viennawaits1
    Good, but nowhere NEAR as good as the original
  • scottydgibbs
    January 2, 2008
    scottydgibbs
    its amazing what a director can do when forced into a corner, scorsese, burned out after raging bull and king of comedy, being a flop, and last temptation of christ being cancelled, he went working commercially, and this was one of chices he made, cruise a up and coming star and ...( read more)newman major box office at time, and going back too role tat made him famous from hustler, great direction, check out pool scenes, superb, and cruise is as ever, smiley, but thats his charactor, and newman exellent playing role he played over 20 years before,
  • bizzyjb
    January 1, 2008
    bizzyjb
    Not a bad movie...for an 80s movie :P
  • ass9days
    December 31, 2007
    ass9days
    i lov the bourbon discussion..!!
  • highgamer6969
    December 20, 2007
    highgamer6969
    It's In The Way That You Use It...It Comes And It Goes, And If You Ever Abuse It, You'll Just Let It Go.....
  • spongeofmystery
    December 1, 2007
    spongeofmystery
    MY FAVE FILM INVOLVING POOL OR ANY GAME LIKE THAT FOR A FACT! AMAZING AND ABSOLUTELY GREAT I LOVE THIS FILM. TOM....VERY NICE IN '83, LOVE THE HAIR
  • smoothie177
    November 27, 2007
    smoothie177
    Excellent movie, Paul Newman is great in this movie as he was in The Hustler, and if you enjoyed the hustler then you will enjoy this movie if you enjoyed Poolhall Junkies you will enjoy this movie if you enjoy the game of pool at all you will enjoy this movie.
  • e5885
    November 13, 2007
    e5885
    Even a minor Scorsese film is a wonderfull fun to watch. Paul Newman is great.
  • Argonirik
    November 12, 2007
    Argonirik
    This movie is brillant! Newman is genius. The soundtrack is so good, especially the song "It's in the way that you use-it", from Eric Clapton. The beginning of the movie is the best beginning of all the Scorceses movies, and a favourit to the best of all times! This movie is the ...( read more)first Scorcese movie i saw, and in my top 99 it reach's the 5 place!!
  • manly500usa
    November 1, 2007
    manly500usa
    A good movie, see it.
  • FangsFirst
    October 28, 2007
    FangsFirst
    I think what this film really needs is new coverart. Badly. I ignored it for ages because the cover art is so terrible. Skillfully painted? Sure. But the assembly, the placement, it's terrible.

    It was ages before I realized I was ignoring a Martin Scorsese movie, and considering...( read more) he's pretty much my favourite director, I think that's saying something, especially when the star of the film is Paul Newman. I put the movie in, thinking I'd be disappointed despite the folk involved, but it opened on Marty himself doing a voiceover explaining 9-Ball. I actually missed the whole thing I was so excited to be hearing Marty's voice. Then we're treated to some nice titles (which are sort of haphazard in a way that reminds me of The Warriors) over music that bears the sound of the 80s (gated drums, a backing synth and a strong solo sax) and I could swear that's Robbie Robertson's non-verbal singing (apparently many agree with me, despite the fact that no one has a real name for the "song"). From there I'm adding up the things this movie has going for it--Robbie Robertson, Marty, it's from the 80s (well, this is a good thing for me, at least) and now, now we're in a smoke-filled, darkened poolhall? This is an environment that I have a completely unreasonable and illogical attraction to and love for. Part of my brain swears that I'd live in a poolhall from the 80s if I could. I'd never fit into such an environment, and the few times I've played pool I've not been any good. But there is something endlessly attractive about that environment to me.

    Then I saw the film start moving--oh my, it's that wonderfully rich, dark colour of 80s filmstock. I love it; it feels half-real and half-fantastic, like we're seeing the grit of the real world but through a safe lens that enhances the colour and the darkness of it simultaneously. From there more things just started piling on--I already knew, but of course there's Warren Zevon's immortal classic, "Werewolves of London" during one pool match, Eric Clapton's "It's in the Way That You Use It" (which I had not realized was co-written, lyrically at least, by Robbie Robertson), some great blues (Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon)--heck, even a solo Don Henley song, and that's my kind of thing as someone who loves the 80s feel so very much. I also knew that Robert Palmer was on this soundtrack, doing songs not available on his albums, at that. Now, of course I know that Marty knows how to use music, everyone knows that who has seen "Layla" used in Goodfellas. But to see someone actually use the above artists and not just be throwing them in for novelty or because the song was a hit at the time? Marty is now even more my hero for this.

    Paul Newman is once again "Fast" Eddie Felson, last seen 25 years earlier in 1961's The Hustler. Now he's out of the pool business, selling whiskey and simply watching games in the poolhall we open on. He sees a new kid, Vincent Lauria (a young Tom Cruise), cleaning house in this poolhall and begins to take interest. There are fantastic shots here and about halfway through the movie of Eddie just watching Vinnie play, saying nothing, but we can see the gears turning in Newman's head anyway. It's amazing to think that he can just sit there and be that interesting. Cruise is excessively energetic (it reminded me of Kevin Costner's strangely kinetic performance in Silverado, seeming crazily out of place for the actors as I know them) but filled with the right kind of energy, excitement and pride for a cocky young kid who thinks he's good at pool--and is right. Eddie decides to take Vincent under his wing and teach him how to hustle, but Vincent is too interested in his own skill to really listen and act on Eddie's words, as making money means knowing when to lose, and Vincent isn't good at that. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (whose name rang some kind of bell, mostly because of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, to continue an unexpected Kevin Costner theme) is Vincent's girlfriend, using him to make money, taking advantage of his less-than-stellar brainpower and manipulating him and Eddie as the movie progresses.

    There was on problem--it felt like a step was missing in many of the games. Like we skipped over the end to the aftermath in many cases, and like it wasn't clear whether they were clapping for someone because they lost or as conciliation for losing. It was a bit disappointing to see that element so palpably absent, and perhaps explains--at least for me, though probably not for the actual ones--the lack of attention and respect the film has gotten over the years (though, again, I think the coverart is now playing a big part in that...). Sometimes I wasn't sure whether they were correctly hustling someone or whose money was going where and the like. Sometimes I'm just overthinking these things, but this time I just couldn't place the right money in the right hands and it just didn't seem right in general. But that's honestly a minor quibble, with a soundtrack like this, with performances like these (Newman deserved this Oscar, the arc of Eddie is absolutely fascinating, from observant teacher to frustrated old hand to renewed pride) and with a story like this. As has been said of other sports movies, it isn't the point. the point here is Eddie, as simple as that.

    Scorsese showed his hand, I think, through the many sweeping turns around characters to face a table, or to face a character. I felt his presence then, and in a later scene that pulled back across a whole row of pooltables rapidly as Eddie has returned to practice at his former art. Certainly, as mentioned, he was present in the use of music, but here is where I really felt him. I actually saw him twice and missed both times. I read that he had a cameo doing a break partway through and had to rewind after the movie finished to find it. It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo though.

    I've had to take minor notes to try and remember all the fun bits I want to mention here, so I'm just going to haphazardly hop through the rest as this is already shaping up as one of my longer reviews.

    One of the first recurring characters in the film is Julian, and he's played by a slightly-bearded John Turturro, here a sort of sane, reasonable, acceptable, realistic type version of The Big Lebowski's "The Jesus," arrogant and self-centered for his skill, but still kind of a goofball that we quietly chuckle at as he shows himself to be just such a person. A random hustled loser in a bar turns out to be none other than the mighty Iggy Pop, wearing an Attack of the 50 ft Woman shirt. Later, Eddie himself decides to go playing for a bit, and I hear another familiar voice (ie, after Robertson's wailing at the beginning and Marty's rapidfire patter explaining the game). We turn and look up from the table and who do we find? Forest Whitaker! He is a hustler, and a good one, and he's a joy to watch as always, short though his role is. This sort of brings me to a topic that I wanted to address for a while--the idea of the "cult actors" I love so much. Forest is not the best example because of how damn good he is, but, let's say someone like Willem DaFoe. The correlation here is Warren Zevon; a song from him on a soundtrack is something for me to raise "the horns" for, because while there are "better" songwriters like Dylan, and possibly--possibly--better songs, it's the fact that Warren gets no acknowledgment and DID have tons of talent. "It's in the Way That You Use It" is a great song, but "Werewolves of London" (honestly a lesser song for Zevon) is the more exciting one to here. I like Johnny Depp, but I'm not going to go, "Oooh! A Johnny Depp movie!" I will, however, set out to pursue Sam Neill movies, or Willem DaFoe movies, or Donald Sutherland ones--JUST because they're in them. I could find a pile of Johnny Depp movies, but there's an exciting flavour to the aforementioned actors to me, and it's the same kind of thing seeing someone like Whitaker, too. It's something they have that someone like even Newman doesn't. It's just an excitement for me.

    It should be noted that I've yet to see The Hustler (it IS on my list to acquire though), but this is indeed based on a novel by the same author as the original was--Walter Tevis. I saw this name onscreen and could not help but think, "Where the hell have I seen this name?" I thought and thought and thought and thought, and it suddenly hit me. He's the author of The Man Who Fell to Earth. I have no idea how one goes between these two books, but I guess I'm pretty impressed with Tevis since he could do it.

    Whew, this is indeed my longest review, but it brought together so many elements I love under a director I love that I guess I just had to get it all out this time--I often omit details, but here I wanted to get them all in on a movie that has slipped under so many people's noses. Give it a go, it's a good trip and Eddie is worth it.
  • brad769
    October 27, 2007
    brad769
    I rmember this beign really good :)
  • MRFI
    October 19, 2007
    MRFI
    Tom Cruise started to show his arrogance in this film so it lost me there he was a cool actor but not these days. He does movies for himself not the audience.
  • gabrielwilding1
    October 15, 2007
    gabrielwilding1
    The original is much better
  • joyndick
    October 9, 2007
    joyndick
    I enjoyed this movie. But then I'd enjoy Paul Newman if he just stood there and did nothing.
  • halffling
    October 3, 2007
    halffling
    newman directed by scorsese!!! yum yum
  • tjo7
    September 30, 2007
    tjo7
    They stopped making films like this around 1976, and I was thrilled to see Paul Newman in a starring role. Tom Cruise was believeable in his role, for a change, and the supporting cast was terrific. The atmosphere was just perfect.
  • doughboyog
    September 30, 2007
    doughboyog
    Some very well developed and well acted characters -coupled with the directorial flair of Scorcese- makes this an enjoyable film.

    A weak storyline serves to wane the watchers interest as the film progresses however.
  • rika1
    September 29, 2007
    rika1
    mmm.. never really liked billiardo and such stuff!!!
    but I totally lovew the cast =D
  • savatom
    September 18, 2007
    savatom
    Good flick. Invite your buddies over for a few beers and talk smack. Scorsese captures the gritty semi-sleasy world of pool halls, hustling and cash money. Acting is top notch. I still need to see the original with Jackie Gleason.
  • kimjunsay
    September 16, 2007
    kimjunsay
    i want to see how tom acts when he was still new...
  • marksangel2
    September 14, 2007
    marksangel2
    I could hustle Tom at Pool - or rather on the table!!
  • rvik777
    September 4, 2007
    rvik777
    A GOOD BUT NOT GREAT FOR NEWMAN
  • AJB31269
    September 2, 2007
    AJB31269
    The sequel to The Hustler, "Fast Eddie" Felson returns....
  • jfeeback92
    August 28, 2007
    jfeeback92
    tom cruise and paul newman together!!
  • Keaven
    August 23, 2007
    Keaven
    This was one of the well made films staring Tom Cruise that got me interested in the films that he would later star in.
  • magicmunke
    August 23, 2007
    magicmunke
    Underated Scorsese film, Newman revels in returning to play Fast Eddie, and Cruise is perfect as his cocky protege who ends up resembling Eddie more than he probably cared to admit
  • grimm667
    August 20, 2007
    grimm667
    Tom Cruise played egotistical better than i've seen to this day
  • babyinametalsuit
    August 19, 2007
    babyinametalsuit
    I think this is Martin Scorsese's best movie. Whether this movie was a direct influence on Wes Anderson and Guy Ritchie and every slick movie since is debatable, maybe it is just representative of the style of every cool movie made ever since, but "The Color of Money" capitalize...( read more)s on cinematography, drama, and music placement or whatever you call awesome music queues in ways that have obviously been emulated a billion times over. This is a movie that finally nails the sentimental idea of regaining your place in life after suffering a major blow without being absolute crap. At no point must you wince with the overbearing gooiness that normally assaults the viewer in a movie about rebuilding your life. It's awesome, you should totally watch it at least twice.
  • kurosawian
    August 16, 2007
    kurosawian
    One of Scorsese's most commercial films. Very stylish and entertaining. Clearly, not as good as The Hustler but still worth checking out.
  • msixta
    August 9, 2007
    msixta
    For pool players this was a great movie.
  • oliver9184
    August 9, 2007
    oliver9184
    How much you like this will depend on how much you like pool. Both Newman and Cruise are perfect for their roles.
  • filmguy55
    August 4, 2007
    filmguy55
    Still dont know how Newman won the oscar finally here. Cruise is very good here. Movie drags though.
  • jmillerdp
    July 29, 2007
    jmillerdp
    Brainless, needless sequel to the 1000 times superior "The Hustler." Some good stuff here and there, but Cruise is incredibly irritating!
  • anahri
    July 24, 2007
    anahri
    Continuing the story of Edward "Fast Eddie" Felson from The Hustler? No way!! I suppose they tried their best to recreate "Fast Eddie" but this character they made has nothing in common with 1961 role played by Newman except the actor's name. In no way one can imagine a young man...( read more) Like Eddie becomes such a weak, low spirit, money lover old man like showed in this 1984 movie. Richard price the screenplay writer seems not to understand the character, the story and the hidden reasons of Walter Tevis, Writer of original novel. In my opinion Price did it for the right price not for the right motive. Cruise as a future star did a good job, acceptable not astonishing. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (|Robin Hood's Marian, 1991) played one of her worst in this movie, an illogical, stupid, narrow minded girl she made when the writer desired to show a talented, smart and quick learner character. My conclusion? This is a wasted great idea of bringing fast Eddie back into life and satisfying fans of ?The Hustler (1961)? . I think the comparison between Box office and budget shows that it is also a financial nightmare for Touchstone Pictures.
  • striderdemme
    July 23, 2007
    striderdemme
    A great sequel to The Hustler.
  • chrisbrummie
    July 19, 2007
    chrisbrummie
    the hustler ruined by shortar*e tom cruise
  • ali300zx
    July 18, 2007
    ali300zx
    ...eh...I don't see the big deal...
  • cajunpalomino
    July 15, 2007
    cajunpalomino
    Awesome!! Cruise and Newman are the perfect ensemble to this billiard hit!!
  • garaballer23
    July 12, 2007
    garaballer23
    really atypical Scorsese movie. good but nowhere near great
  • SarahG1988
    July 12, 2007
    SarahG1988
    Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

    Pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson finds the young, promising pool player Vincent in a lo...( read more)cal bar and he sees in him a younger version of himself. To try and make it as in the old days, Eddie offers to teach Vincent how to be a hustler. After some hesitations Vincent accepts and Eddie takes him and Vincent's girlfriend Carmen on a tour through the country to work the pool halls. However, Vincent's tendency to show off his talent and by doing so warning off the players and losing money, soon leads to a confrontation with Eddie.

    After watching 14 of Scorsese's movies, this is one of my favourites. Naturally it's not a 5 star movie, but the whole film just has that little something which you just love.

    Scorsese's direction here is pretty good but not what you would expect from Raging Bull of that decade. The Color Of Money doesn't really feel like it's directed by Scorsese at all, as he doesn't use made of the usual trademarks in his films. For one thing we see a whole new set of actors, and the plot isn't what you've seen before either. The cinematography here has the dark colors and grainy '80s vibe are present in every frame. Likewise he's using the quick-cuts and zooms and iconic panning shots that we've seen in other films such as Goodfellas, Raging Bull.

    Essentially, the film is a character study in the first half of the movie. We are depicted the characters of Vincent and Eddie from the opening piece and a brilliant piece of drama. I've read other reviews that state the second half isn't as good, I would disagree We begin to understand Paul Newman's character more and by the end of the film, it's a film about him rather than Vincent.

    I've never seen The Hustler(1961) before, so I really don't know if this is a good sequal or not. For sure I'll rent it soon and see.

    The cast is pretty good. Paul Newman shines as Fast Eddie Felson(and deservidly won the oscar,) Tom Cruise is resonable but I'm not a fan of his anyway, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio was possibly better than Cruise(which got her an oscar nomination, also interesting to see Forrest Whittaker in an early role as well.

    Overall, the film is an authentic look at the worls of Pool games and one great character interaction.

    Recomended
  • telb6
    July 11, 2007
    telb6
    Good movie but Tom Cruise will never be Paul Newman... ever.

Summary

The Color of Money Summary