Underrated........

I totally agree. I can watch this film over and over and over again. Its great fun. The pool is amazing, the tricks, everything. The soundtrack is pretty cool too. As for your point about Tara's uncle being a millionaire and paying off the debt, I felt the whole scenario ran deeper than just money, Joe wanted to finish Johnny off, Johnny wanted revenge the only way he knew how. Plus its a movie... there is no easy way out in a movie.
Christopher Walken has to be a favourite actor of mine and he certainly didnt disappoint in this, he's underrated as a comedic actor. All in all this film wont change your life, but you'll be happy you took 90 odd minutes out of it to watch it!

I thoroughly enjoy this movie too... partially because I play pool, partially because I can't get enough Walken and lastly cuz it's an example of a filmmaker successfully executing his nutured pet project. I get the impression from the movie (and commentary) that everyone involved had a great time doing it. It's a fun, funny, thrilling movie combining the game and life in general.

I've never had any complaints about Mars Callahan doing triple duty but I think it might have been taxing for him. It's a pretty good deal to be able to act the lines/character that you've written. Someone suggested that it might have been a better movie if directing duties were taken over by another; I think I agree though I'm certainly not unhappy with the final product.

Just to comment on the "flaw" about Mike being a millionaire... I'm fairly certain that Johnny would never ask him for money nor would he accept it if it was simply offered. He wants to straighten things out the way he knows how. "I play pool Tara, that's what I do." Now of course, it's a different animal for Mike to back him in a matchup; it's a business venture to him. While Johnny might have a lot riding on it and Mike cares about the outcome, it's more the thrill of the situation for Mike than anything. He believes in Johnny and essentially becomes a non-greedy, more fatherly version of Joe for the final showdown.

I love showing this movie to people and I never get sick of rewatching it. The cast performs well, there's comic relief, the story is decent and always moving. Everyone who watches with me seems to enjoy it very much. One thing I've noticed when it ends, it always makes me wanna shoot pool!

found it a bit strange to see so much bashing of this movie. everyone i know thats seen it (and i worked at blockbuster for 2 years around the time of release so thats a few dozen customers alone, plus friends) enjoyed it.

it is especially impressive when you take into account that it was Callahan's first shot at acting, writing, and directing. as far as a trippleheaded debut goes, its definatly worth the time to watch.

and you cant argue with walken. well. you could. but he'd grind you up and make hotdogs out of your lips and bungholes. then eat you. with a creepy smile on his face.

now there is a great plot for the sequel.

*edit: well glancing at his body of work i suppose he had done a few other things, but i'm still somewhat impressed.*

I can't agree more.

Sure the acting in places was lame. and had a few holes. but overall a enjoyable movie. being a billiards fanatic I enjoy most movies with that theme.

It bugs me when people overcritisize movies. People say "The actings bad, this movie is crap" etc. people just need to learn to sit bad, have a snack, and enjoy movies instead of overthining them and ruining your movie-going experience.

But hey, thats just my $0.02.

P.S. 9 ball is the only way to play.

I personally thought the movie was great. The Action is just like real life poolhall action cept in a higher dollar ammount than normal. Seen many young hustlers that are just like the main center of our movie here.

http://www.ultraweb.org/images/johnmike.jpg