Poolhall Junkies (2002)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Mars Callahan

Writers:

Mars Callahan (written by) and
Chris Corso (written by)

Release Date:

21 March 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

It's your shot. Take it.

Plot:

A talented pool hustler who has stayed out of the game for years, must go back to his old ways when his little brother gets involved with his enemy, the very man who held him back from greatness.

Plot Keywords:

Pool | Pool Hustler | Pool Hall | Pool Game | Party

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Chazz Palminteri	...	Joe
Rick Schroder	...	Brad
Rod Steiger	...	Nick
Michael Rosenbaum	...	Danny
Mars Callahan	...	Johnny
Alison Eastwood	...	Tara
Phillip Glasser	...	Max
Anson Mount	...	Chris
Glenn Plummer	...	Chico
Richard Portnow	...	Toupee Jay
Ernie Reyes Jr.	...	Tang
Peter Mark Richman	...	Phillip
Christopher Walken	...	Mike
Mike Massey	...	Louis
Orien Richman	...	Brett

MPAA:

Rated R for language and some sexual content.

Runtime:

99 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Australia:MA | UK:15 | USA:R | Germany:12 | Canada:14A | Finland:K-15

Filming Locations:

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Company:

Gold Circle Films

Trivia:

Christopher Walken made the difficult trick shot to win the match against Tara's (Eastwood) boss on the first take. He was supposed to make a "trial run" for the scene, but he asked that the cameras go ahead and roll, in case he happened to make it on his first try, and he did.

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: The aforementioned upside down guitar is also seen with a plastic film over the pick-guard. This plastic film is found on new guitars and usually removed before its first played.

Quotes:

Mike: I'm gonna leave you with nothing.

Movie Connections:

References Rounders (1998)

Soundtrack:

It's Alright

Swingers meets The Hustler.

There isn't really much to say about this film. It has the basic formula, average script, average acting and yet I can't help but enjoy it. Considering it's style and snappy dialogue, it is quite obviously a Swingers inspired project and although not as successful, it still makes for some great viewing.

The cast is excellent. Walken is a standout. He brings so much to this movie, quite frankly I can't see it working without him. And Mars Callahan... A solid actor; and I get this guy, I get what he's doing and I can only hope to see him growing creatively through more of his work in future. But I am not holding my breath, writing and direction and quite clearly not his strengths and I fear that he will never top this film.

This is one of those movies that will no doubt spawn a cult following, especially among the pool hustlers out there. Look out for the great Trees Lounge reference too, a nice touch.

I don't know what is going on with the release of this film, but I bought it on (region 0) DVD at K-mart in Australia, despite the fact it hasn't hit cinemas yet. Essential viewing for any pool fanatic. 8/10.