Poolhall Junkies

R

Released Feb 28, 2003

1 hr. 34 min.

Drama

List

33%

43 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

A billiards player ends his conflicted friendship with a con man who taught him how to play the game.

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Matthew Z

A funny and upbeat movie about the hustle, billiards, and romance. A cult classic that is to be seen by most.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/18/23

Full Review

CL

Poorly written. Not surprised about Walken, but disappointed in Steiger for stoooping so low.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/25/22

Full Review

s a

Perfect example of why writing, directing and starring in a movie is nearly impossible for even a seasoned pro; for a first-timer (or close to it) completely impossible. Either one of the tasks is going to suffer badly in execution or all three will be extremely short changed. In this case there are plenty of examples of both. This story with a punched up screenplay and in the hands of a seasoned director would have been an indy classic. The talent is all there and clearly showed up to work. The story construction is uneven and the direction feels unfocused. It's worth watching but not necessarily good.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/18/22

Full Review

Audience Member

A little uneven, admittedly, but it's top-shelf stupid fun.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

joey w

A Movie that keeps you entertained from the first scene. The castings are perfect. The overall story is tremendous and shows an actual love for the game of pool / billiards. There are multiple quotes from the movie that withstand time. Great watch and re-watch ability.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I love this movie. This is probably one of the best Indy films out there

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

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Mars Callahan

Director

Mars Callahan

Johnny

Chazz Palminteri

Joe

Ricky Schroder

Brad

Rod Steiger

Nick

Michael Rosenbaum

Danny Doyle

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Adam Nayman

eye WEEKLY

It's disreputable, occasionally ludicrous and merely kinda fun.

Rated: 2.5/5

Mar 25, 2003

Full Review

Geoff Pevere

Toronto Star

Whatever you want to say about this Mars Callaghan -- who is an avid cue-man in real life -- he would seem to be able to sink anything. Darned if he doesn't make this whole movie disappear.

Rated: 2/5

Mar 21, 2003

Full Review

Jason Anderson

Globe and Mail

As a director, Callahan wants the verve that Martin Scorsese brought to The Color of Money, but his visual approach is careless, relying too much on clichéd slo-mo and hasty edits.

Rated: 1.5/4

Mar 21, 2003

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Aug 29, 2005

Full Review

Forrest Hartman

Reno Gazette-Journal

The fast-paced picture sizzles with energy, and it's a tour de force for Mars Callahan, who co-wrote and directed.

Rated: A-

Sep 26, 2003

Full Review

Prairie Miller

Long Island Press

A lowlife billiards drama that lacks the drive and edginess of the classic The Hustler, Poolhall Junkies does get by on its humor, energy and earnest charm.

Sep 14, 2003

Full Review

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Synopsis

A billiards player ends his conflicted friendship with a con man who taught him how to play the game.

Director: Mars Callahan
Executive Producer: Paul Brooks, Carol Gillson
Screenwriter: Mars Callahan, Chris Corso
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Production Co: Gold Circle Films, Cutting Edge Entertainment [us], Newman/Tooley Films
Rating: R (Some Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 28, 2003, Wide
Release Date (DVD): Aug 26, 2003
Box Office (Gross USA): $562.1K
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Surround