The Color of Money

Based on Walter Tevis's sequel to his own novel The Hustler (filmed in 1961), Martin Scorsese's 1986 The Color of Money—developed with screenwriter Richard Price—finds Paul Newman reprising his role as Fast Eddie Felson some 25 years later. Long out of the game, Eddie is drawn back in by grinning hotshot Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), signing on to teach his new protégé the art of hustling pool. Eddie's journey is more conventional than that of the usual Scorsese hero, and the director puts his efforts into exploring the dynamism of the trio of partners (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio completes the team as Vincent's street-smart girlfriend, Carmen), while also celebrating the smoky culture of poolroom society and the snap of a well-played game. Even so, the portrait of Vincent's education at the hands of a mentor who has yet to face his own conflicted feelings about his career makes for a compelling story of regret and redemption. Winning an Oscar for his performance, Newman brings all of his gravitas to the role of Eddie, a self-described student of human nature in one of Scorsese's most accessible films. Making a welcome Blu-ray debut (unfortunately without extras), this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)