The Color of Money Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Old pool shark finds a younger, more annoying version of himself, tries to teach him how to cheat, then realizes he wants to play pool again, so they have a very anticlimactic showdown.

🍿 The Color of Money: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Fast Eddie’s Return

Twenty-five years after the events of ‘The Hustler,’ Eddie Felson, now a successful liquor salesman, is drawn back into the world of pool. He observes a young, talented but undisciplined player named Vincent Lauria and sees a younger version of himself. He decides to mentor Vincent, hoping to relive his past glory through the young player’s success.

The Road Trip

Eddie, along with Vincent and his girlfriend Carmen, embark on a road trip, hustling pool in various small towns. Eddie attempts to teach Vincent the art of the hustle, emphasizing strategy and control over raw talent. However, Vincent’s impulsive nature and tendency to show off cause friction within the group, leading to lost opportunities and growing tension.

Confrontation and Separation

Growing frustrated with Vincent’s inability to follow his instructions and after being hustled himself by another player, Eddie confronts Vincent and Carmen. The conflict escalates, leading to Eddie’s decision to split from the pair. He realizes that he needs to rediscover his own passion for the game and cannot live vicariously through Vincent.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eddie (Paul Newman): A former pool hustler who mentors a young talent while grappling with his own past and the evolving nature of the game.
• Vincent (Tom Cruise): A young, talented, but cocky pool player who is taken under Eddie’s wing and learns the art of hustling, while struggling with Eddie’s methods.
• Carmen (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio): Vincent’s girlfriend who also navigates the world of pool hustling and money, having a shrewd outlook on relationships.
• Janelle (Helen Shaver): Eddie’s girlfriend and a source of companionship and stability in his life before he returns to the world of pool.
• Julian (John Turturro): A pool player who gets hustled, setting up Eddie’s re-introduction to the game.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eddie Felson: “Money won is twice as sweet as money earned.” – Eddie explains his philosophy on hustling and the thrill of winning in a high-stakes game.
• Eddie Felson: “I’m back!” – Eddie’s triumphant declaration after defeating Vincent, signifying his return to the game and his renewed passion.
• Vincent Lauria: “I love this. You know, it’s like, it’s not enough that you win, everybody else has to lose.” – Vincent expresses his competitive nature, highlighting his desire to dominate rather than just succeed.
• Eddie Felson: “You got to want to lose.” – Eddie trying to teach Vincent how to hustle.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $52,293,982
• Worldwide Gross: $52,293,982

💥 The Color of Money Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed revisiting ‘The Color of Money’. Seeing Paul Newman back as Fast Eddie was awesome, and Tom Cruise was perfectly cast as the cocky young player. The pool hall scenes felt so real, and the relationship between Eddie and Vincent was complex and fascinating. When Eddie finally decides to play again, I was totally rooting for him. It’s not as dark as ‘The Hustler,’ but it’s still a great movie with some really memorable moments.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Paul Newman and Tom Cruise”
  • “Viewers interested in sports dramas”
  • “Fans of Martin Scorsese’s directing style”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief female nudity”
  • “Themes of gambling and hustling”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “While not as profound as ‘The Hustler,’ ‘The Color of Money’ is a compelling character study, elevated by Scorsese’s energetic direction and Newman’s nuanced performance. Cruise adds youthful exuberance but is overshadowed by Newman’s portrayal of a man confronting his past and future.
• Variety: “A worthy sequel that doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, but is nonetheless a well-crafted and entertaining film. Newman shines as the aging Eddie, while Cruise captures the cockiness of youth. Scorsese’s direction is stylish and engaging.
• Janet Maslin: “A solid but unspectacular sequel, relying heavily on Newman’s charisma and Scorsese’s visual flair. Cruise’s performance is uneven, but Mastrantonio adds a welcome dose of sultriness. Overall, it lacks the emotional depth of ‘The Hustler.’

Audience Reactions

Paul Newman’s performance is captivating, proving why he finally won an Oscar for this role.: Most viewers praise the acting, especially Paul Newman, and the film’s stylish direction.

Tom Cruise’s energetic portrayal of Vincent is both entertaining and slightly annoying.: Some viewers found Tom Cruise’s character to be a bit over-the-top, while others enjoyed his youthful energy.

Overall Consensus: A visually stylish and well-acted sequel that doesn’t quite reach the emotional depths of ‘The Hustler,’ but remains an entertaining and engaging film about mentorship and redemption.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tom Cruise performed almost all of his own pool shots in the film, showcasing his dedication to the role.”
• “Martin Scorsese initially hesitated to direct the film, fearing it would be a simple retread of ‘The Hustler,’ but Paul Newman convinced him to take on the project.”
• “The film’s soundtrack heavily features blues and rock music, reflecting the gritty atmosphere of the pool halls and the characters’ emotional journeys.”
• “Forest Whitaker’s brief but memorable appearance as Amos, the pool player who hustles Eddie, was one of his early roles.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Color of Money?

The Color of Money is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Color of Money, you might like these similar films:

• The Hustler (1961): The original film featuring Paul Newman as Fast Eddie Felson, providing the backstory and character development that ‘The Color of Money’ builds upon.
• Rounders (1998): A modern film about the world of high-stakes poker, exploring themes of gambling, skill, and the allure of the game.
• Casino (1995): Also directed by Martin Scorsese, this film delves into the dangerous and alluring world of gambling and organized crime, sharing a similar atmosphere of high stakes and moral ambiguity.

🛒 The Color of Money Related Products

• The Hustler (Blu-ray): Experience the original ‘Hustler’ film on Blu-ray, featuring Paul Newman’s iconic performance as Fast Eddie Felson. A must-have for fans of classic cinema.
• Pool Cue Set with Case: A high-quality pool cue set with a stylish case, perfect for aspiring pool players and fans of the movie. Features a smooth finish for a professional feel.
• 8 Ball T-Shirt: Classic 8 ball t-shirt. Available in multiple colors and sizes.
• Custom Pool Hall Neon Sign: Brighten up your game room or bar with a custom neon sign that reflects the vibrant atmosphere of ‘The Color of Money’.Personalize your home with a touch of movie-inspired style.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Color of Money features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Werewolves of London” – performed by Warren Zevon
• “It’s in the Way That You Use It” – performed by Eric Clapton
• “Bad to the Bone” – performed by George Thorogood & The Destroyers
• “Strangers In The Night” – performed by Bert Kaempfert

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Paul Newman – The Art of Acting Cool (Spoilers)

Wondering what made Paul Newman so effortlessly cool on screen? This video breaks down his acting style and analyzes iconic scenes from ‘The Color of Money’ to reveal his secrets. Get ready to appreciate his performance on a whole new level!

Tom Cruise worked in fierce conditions for The Color of Money! – BBC

Curious about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of ‘The Color of Money’? Tom Cruise spills the beans on The Graham Norton Show, sharing a funny anecdote about how Paul Newman schooled him on staying warm during winter shoots. Prepare to be entertained and gain a new perspective on the film’s production!

Joe Rogan on “The Color of Money”

Join Joe Rogan as he delves into his thoughts on ‘The Color of Money’. From its captivating characters to its exploration of morality, Rogan’s unique perspective sheds new light on this classic film and invites you to reconsider its themes and impact.

✨ Rate