The Color of Money (1986)*

"Fast" Eddie Felson returns to the pool hall scene as he attempts to teach a young man the ways of poll hustling. Directed by Martin Scorsese.

This sequel to "The Hustler" finds Paul Newman's "Fast" Eddie Felson retired from the pool scene, selling liquor and in a fairly comfortable existence. He still stakes young players, which is how he finds out about Vincent - a young man who is just starting out as a small-time 9-ball player. Eddie decides to coach the young man, seeing a way to reinvigorate his life.

Scorsese does a good job with the shots and music, and Newman turns in a good performance. Cruise actually does well as a somewhat naive guy, bursting with energy and passion for the game. He actually reminds me here of a guy I knew, but it's interesting to watch as Felson breaks him from simply wanting to play 9-ball to actually becoming more of a professional hustler - he loses the naivty, and grows more cynical in exchange. Meanwhile, Felson loses some of his cynicism and starts to engage with the actual game.