The Hustler (1961)

 One of the best B&W films ever made!
This is Newman's best performance - it makes "The Color of Money" an even better movie than it was! March 8, 2008

 NOBODY'S RIGHT WHEN EVERYBODY'S WRONG
I first saw this film in 1961, and for my money it's probably the most realistic ever.Here's one; this reviewer can actually smell the grime as it passes through the screen. The indescribable stench of an old pool hall, the grit of a bus terminal, where your next cup of coffee may be your last, the sleazy bar that never seems to close, the self named bums who inhabit such places are all a part of everyone's inner city childhood, and beyond for most. Let's lay it on the line. Everyone involved in this movie is perfectly cast. Newman wants to kick Gleason's backside, Laurie wants to reform Newman, but really can't take care of herself.Scott will jump on a winner's back every time; the almighty buck is his entire life. Gleason, who shocked the entire country as an excellent, serious actor, plays the highly convincing "Minnesota Fats",hanging around,waiting for the next sucker to challenge him. And, in the end everybody loses.Laurie disposes of herself, Gleason loses his reputation and his wallet to Newman, Newman loses his girlfriend and his "right" to play bigtime pool because Scott has lost his "cut" and threatens Newman with massive retaliation.The parties drift away, each probably to his own bar that never closes. February 21, 2008

 Even if you hate pool you'll love this movie
It can be viewed as an allegory about a man fighting the devil for his soul or a sports movie of a man finding the ultimate glory in winning and having to fight off the social urge to put sex, love, family and friendship first. However you view it there is a lot going on underneath the surface. A movie that can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Now don't be fooled this movie is not a Solaris or a 2001, it's not that dense and it's not on the level of "all time greats" but it's on that level right below and will be one of the better movies you'll see (if you haven't seen it already). I purposely tried to not get into specifics with this review as to not ruin the experience. Hopefully this helps. February 12, 2008

 A good Christmas present for a pool player
This was a present for my husband, who is an avid pool player. And to my surprise, he had never seen the movie before and actually liked it after watching it the day after Christmas. It is a very good movie with a lot of amazing pool playing. December 28, 2007

 a classic
The Hustler is truly an American classic. A simple, yet powerful movie with Oscar worthy performances of Paul newman and the late great jackie Gleason. A true cinema masterpiece shot in classic black & white when movies had substance and meaning. October 3, 2007

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