MovieChat Forums > Poolhall Junkies (2003) Discussion > It's too late to be scared, it's time to...

It's too late to be scared, it's time to kill...

posted 20 years ago by vincent_lawford
9 replies | jump to latest

Chances are, no one will even read this seeing as how the movie "Poolhall Junkies" has been out for such a long time, and probably no one cares about it anymore. However, I wanted to say a little something about the movie. Why should I? I guess it's more of a personal thing, since I've read so many horrible reviews about this movie. I'm no movie reviewer or anything, but I'm a huge movie buff. And usually when people ask me, "Did you like this movie." I give them about a 15 minute speech on the pros and cons of it. They end walking away half-way through saying, "A simple 'yes' or 'no' would've been nice." So if you don't want to hear what I have to say, please stop reading now!

In all honesty, this is my second favorite movie of all time. Keep in mind that I said MY favorite. In no way, shape, or form am I saying it was one of the greatest movies ever made. Because it's definitely not! And guess what folks, it wasn't meant to be!

This movie was an outlet for Director Mars Callahan. According to his commentary on the DVD, the movie is loosely based on his life. It's a fun sports drama/comedy. No one expected this movie to rock the grounds of modern cinema. If you did, I bet you don't enjoy too many movies.

I will admit that if the great Christopher Walken and Chazz Palminteri were not in this film, I probably would not have liked it as much as I did. Let's face it, Mars Callahan is not one of the best actors in the world. I do have a lot of respect for him, but he needs to stick to directing in my opinion (If you listen to his commentary on the DVD, you'll get the impression that he's a self-centered jerk). Wait a minute, I was defending this movie, wasn't I?

Anyway, this movie is about as fun as a movie can get. Any pool player or con movie fan would love it. The scenes with the boys (Danny, Max, Tang, and Chris) are hilarious, the pool shots are awesome, and Christopher Walken's "Lions" speech is one of my favorite Walken moments ever. When you watch this movie, just watch it to have a good time! Not to rip Mars Callahan a new one for not making a movie heir apparent to "The Godfather."

And for the last time... the purpose of Johnny wearing the "Hustler" t-shirt at the end of the movie was not to say, "Hey everybody, I'm a hustler! Don't play me, I'll cheat ya!" It's a little thing called comedic irony. I don't know if anyone has ever heard of it or not, but there's this adult magazine called, "HUSTLER." You know, the font on his t-shirt looked very similar... no, EXACTLY like that Adult Magazine Title. You think it was a coincidence?

So there you go. I feel better now. Poolhall Junkies, my second favorite movie of all time, a fun sports drama/comedy, an enjoyable film.

-Vincent Lawford On The Attack

[–] royalanarchist 20 years ago

Well Put my godo sir. I am going to have to agree with you 100%

[–] vincent_lawford 20 years ago

It's nice to hear that someone agrees. Thank you.

-Vincent Lawford On The Attack

[–] lil_rocker4life 20 years ago

Whats your first favourite movie?

[–] vincent_lawford 20 years ago

It's nice of you to ask. It's the original "Ocean's 11." Not the remake with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. That one was good, but in my opinion, it doesn't hold a candle to the original. I'm the biggest Rat Pack fan on the face of the planet (Dean Martin is my personal hero). You combine the Rat Pack, a comedy, a con movie, Angie Dickenson, and singing all in one and to me you get the greatest movie ever! Not to mention that it had one of the best endings ever; especially since it was an ending outside of the norm back in those days. So there you go, "Ocean's 11," my favorite movie ever. Following close behind is "Poolhall Junkies" for the mere fact that I myself am a poolhall junkie.

-Vincent Lawford On The Attack

[–] muellerm 20 years ago

I agree that this is a VERY great movie, in fact it's one of those i can watch over and over again without getting sick of it.

[–] lil_rocker4life 19 years ago

"I agree that this is a VERY great movie, in fact it's one of those i can watch over and over again without getting sick of it."

It's the exact same with me. As well, kids tend to like this movie a lot too. Especially the ones that don't know movies as well as myself or anyone else here. I've let many borrow this movie at my high school and they have all loved it. Some people offered to buy it off me and others have put many quotes from the movie in their MSN names. I haven't found one person around my age (17) who hasn't absolutely loved it. Very few adults that I know dislike it.

--
"Oh I'm sorry, did i break your concentration?" - Jules, Pulp Fiction

[–] mouthc 19 years ago

Hustler" t-shirt at the end of the movie was not to say, "Hey everybody, I'm a hustler! Don't play me, I'll cheat ya!" It's a little thing called comedic irony. I don't know if anyone has ever heard of it or not, but there's this adult magazine called, "HUSTLER." You know, the font on his t-shirt looked very similar... no, EXACTLY like that Adult Magazine Title. You think it was a coincidence?

I have to disagree with the purpose of the shirt. It was comedic irony but not for the reason you say. It's a reference to the Color of Money where Tom Cruise's character has a shirt that looks exactly like the huslter shirt only it says Vincent. Hustler of course is the name of the movie where Paul Newman originally appeared as Fast Eddie Felson. Other than that I agree with your assesment of this very entertaining movie.

MOUTH

[–] vincent_lawford 19 years ago

"I have to disagree with the purpose of the shirt. It was comedic irony but not for the reason you say. It's a reference to the Color of Money where Tom Cruise's character has a shirt that looks exactly like the huslter shirt only it says Vincent. Hustler of course is the name of the movie where Paul Newman originally appeared as Fast Eddie Felson. Other than that I agree with your assesment of this very entertaining movie."

You could be right about the purpose of the "Hustler" T-shirt. Though, I chose not to believe it for the mere fact that I can't stand "The Color of Money." "The Hustler" was very good, but in my opinion they never should have made a sequel. Out of all the Pool movies I've ever seen, I've still gotta go with "Poolhall Junkies" as the reigning champion. Thanks for your input though; good observation.

-Vincent Lawford On The Attack

[–] 19 years ago

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