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“Money won is twice as sweet as money earned”
Scorsese directs legend Paul Newman and newcomer Tom Cruise in this spiritual sequel to 1961 hit The Hustler. Fast Eddie (Newman, reprising his role) has left the world of pool-hall scams behind to become a prosperous businessman, until he spots talented upstart Vincent (Cruise) and his beautiful girlfriend Carmen (Best Supporting Actress nomiee Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), hatching a plan to get back in the game. The trio seem on track to clean up at a nine-ball tournament in Atlantic City, but three's a crowd and Vincent's showboating threatens to cost them everything.
Some muttered that Paul Newman's Best Actor Oscar for The Color of Money was a legacy award, but Fast Eddie recognises a win is a win. Besides, it's a pleasure to watch a performer of Newman's calibre navigating the aches and pains of 25 years in the same character, passing the figurative torch to Hollywood's next leading man- Cruise is an infuriating delight to watch alongside Mastrantonio's ice-cold presence. Scorsese has referred to this one as a "hired gun" job, but even lacking a personal touch his precision never falters.