Click here for the review of The Color of Money (1986)

Part of the "1980s" series.

I have two different opinions about this movie. Taken by itself, ignoring the fact that it's a sequel to The Hustler, it's an entertaining enough flick, and JB's review seems fair to me. But, unfortunately, I can't divorce it from The Hustler, which is one of my all-time favorite films. From the perspective of a sequel, I think The Color of Money is a failure, and ranked at the bottom of Scorcese's efforts.

i haven't seen the first, so im the best test. yes, it is quite entertaining. i'd say about 3 or 3.5 stars is quite about what i'd rate it too. actually, when i was watching the movie, i wasn't aware it was a sequel. and it seemed a fine movie.

although now, i want to see the first one.

I absolutely love this film and think it works perfectly as a sequel to The Hustler. It's completely plausible that Fast Eddie would be in the position he finds himself in 25 years down the track.

From the opening scene you can tell it's a Scorsese film. The way the camera pans around the shady room, the way Newman is drawn back to the pool table is classical.

After his big three; Goodfellas, Taxi Driver and Raging Bull this is my next favorite Scorsese film. Every scene involving pool halls reeks of atmosphere. The Werewolf in London scene is gold. The personal relationships are all realistic, and the acting is excellent across the board. Cruise would not be this good again until he appeared in Magnolia, and that's no surprise. PT Anderson films unashamedly resemble Marty's, as does his attention to every detail, acting included.

It's no coincendence that a film about pool players, or even pro pool hasn't been made well since this classic 23 ago. Along with it's companion, The Hustler, they don't come any better.