The Color of Money

UK Release Date: 06 March 1987
Certification: 15
Director: Martin Scorsese

Cast: Bill Cobbs, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Paul Newman, Helen Shaver, John Turturro, Forest Whitaker

Rating: 78%

Review: 

Legacy sequel to Paul Newman classic, The Hustler, The Color of Money continues to follow 'Fast Eddie' whilst adding Tom Cruise in front of the screen and Martin Scorsese behind the camera. 

With Paul Newman being the only returning cast member, it's solely down to him to continue on the continuity from The Hustler. He's fantastic yet again - there's a reason he's held in such high regard. His performance in this film was his first and only Oscar win. Newman plays the mentor role to a tee and then is able to switch back into flamboyant, charismatic hustler on cue. He shares the screen with a young and immature, Tom Cruise. Before he become a real life action star, these were the type of roles Cruise was born to play. Arrogant, cocky and as the film puts it 'a little prick'. 

Martin Scorsese adds a certain flair to the story. The Color of Money is somewhat undiscussed within his filmography but it's a vital addition. A lot of his other films that I've seen focus on larger than life characters and ambitious plots. The Color of Money is not that, the film is a lot more restrained. Scorsese uses colour superbly, really pops out of the screen. The grimy backdrop is juxtaposed with the colourful billiards capturing the wonder of pool effortlessly. The pool sequences are somehow even more impressive here with Scorsese showcasing in all it's flashy, vivid and dynamic glory. 

The film as a whole isn't as engaging as The Hustler, I didn't find myself as invested in or intrigued by the narrative. However, the last half an hour of this film is riveting cinema and impeccable filmmaking. Its paced brilliantly moving from one scene to another without leaving a moment to breath.