Poolhall Junkies

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Poolhall Junkies

R

Released Feb 28, 2003

1h 34m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

33%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

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

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Adam Nayman

eye WEEKLY

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

Rated: 2.5/5

Mar 25, 2003

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

A Hidden Gem. Similar in concept to Rounders, this indie movie is good stupid fun... and then Christopher Walken shows up hahaha! Is the movie going to get panned by critics? Yes - but you're watching because it's entertaining, not because it's competing for a Grammy

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/10/24

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Tom F

Anyone who ever played pool and likes Cristopher Walken will enjoy this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/24/24

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Kirk R

This film is over 20 years old and I had never heard of it! Christopher Walken gives a pep talk to this kid in the bathroom about Lions vs Jackals and it made the whole movie worth watching. I’d never seen the actor Mars Callahan before, but I’d swear, either He’s Ben Affleck’s long lost brother, or his first cousin. His southie accent is on point, and his acting style is literally like he watched Tarantinos monologue in Pulp Fiction and tried to copy it. Lol! All in all, if you like gangsters, like hustler flicks, then this is up there with the must-sees. I’d call it an underrated gem.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/10/24

Full Review

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

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CL

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

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/25/22

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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

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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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Synopsis

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

Director: Mars Callahan
Producer: Karen Beninati
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
Runtime: 1h 34m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Surround

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