film

The Color of Money is the sequel to 1961's The Hustler, both of which are based on novels of the same name by Walter Tevis. Paul Newman won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of "Fast Eddie" Felson, a retired pool-hall hustler who is now a successful liquor salesman in Chicago. He sees potential in Vincent (Cruise), a young hustler, and eventually persuades him to leave at short notice and go on the road with him for six weeks of hustling, culminating in a nine-ball tournament in Atlantic City.

This isn't Scorsese's sharpest or most challenging film, but the kick of watching Newman and Cruise together and the sheer style and boisterousness with which the story is told are more than enough to make it an enduring joy.