Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
4/4
For pool players everywhere
Lee - wrote on 01/27/2013
Let me make this nice and clear for you...if you like playing billiards you will definatly enjoy this film. After watching 1986's The Color Of Money which also stars Paul Newman once again replaying his role as Fast Eddie Fulson i was shocked to learn that it had a predecessor in the form of 1961's The Hustler. Enjoying the 86 version as much as i did i jumped to watch this now not being a fan of classic black and white film i was a little leary but was very surprised how quickly i came wrapped up in this. Fast Eddie Fulson (Newman) comes across Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason) he immediatly challenges him to a vicious 24 hr marathon of pool only to have his own game of hustling backfire on him as he leaves penniless. He bumps into a new gal at the busstop, Sarah Packard (Piper Laurie) …
Rating of
2.5/4
"The Hustler" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 01/22/2012
When a brash young pool shark is handed a lesson in humility by the accepted best in the business, he teams up with an amoral gambler to challenge for a rematch. The Hustler is to pool what Raging Bull was to boxing and it is clear that Scorsese was influenced by this film when he made it (Jake LaMotta, the subject of Raging Bull, even appears in a small role). It's a story of emptiness in victory, as Fast Eddie learns that pride and self respect are not the same thing. His clashes with his financial backer, brilliantly played by George C. Scott, are by far the best parts of the film as he realises that a relentless pursuit of the win removes all the joy from and appreciation for the game he loves. It's beautifully shot, perfectly played and intelligently written but I'd have to say the …
Rating of
3.5/4
This made Pool a sport!!
mdtinney - wrote on 10/04/2009
This is a masterpiece plain and simple, with wonderful storytelling, a brilliant ending and an Oscar worthy performance from Paul Newman!. All the characters are wonderful!, and i for one found the middle to be extremely interesting, plus Paul Newman is simply incredible in this!.I'm not really into Pool, but i have heard critics constantly praise this film, so i wanted to check it out, and i was quite surprised by how incredibly good it was!, plus i found the middle part of the film to be quite engaging, as i said, earlier in my review. The opening is really cool, and the 1st match between Fast Eddie and "Minisota "Fatts" is exciting and heartbreaking at the same time, plus Paul Newman should have won an Oscar for this!.The film is very depressing, but it was very entertaining all the …
Rating of
3.5/4
Great film
Ichabod Crane - wrote on 03/23/2009
A very interesting and effective film with a how bunch of great performances. The film is about pool but at the same time it is not. It mostly is about pool hustling actually and the characters involved with that and the different levels of people involved. The whole story was very interesting to see unfold even though I think it could have been trimmed slightly because I felt a certain section with the Hustler and his girl friend prodded on for just a bit too long. It was interesting though none less and well done in every way possible.
Oscar Nominee Best Actor Paul Newman 5/5- Newman is incredibly strong as Fast Eddie Felson. He plays Eddie perfectly with all his angers and insecurities being completely realistic, he never gives off a false moment in the film. He has a lot of …