The Color of Money (1986)

The Color of Money (1986) is a stylish, character-driven drama about pool hustling, mentorship, and second chances. Paul Newman returns as Fast Eddie Felson, a once-great player who sees a younger version of himself in Vincent (Tom Cruise), a cocky but brilliantly talented up-and-comer. Eddie takes Vincent — and his girlfriend Carmen — on a road tour of pool halls, teaching him the grit, misdirection, and psychology of hustling while quietly testing whether he can still reclaim his own edge. As the pair travel, their mentor–protégé relationship shifts between camaraderie, rivalry, and manipulation: Vincent’s showboating costs them games and money, pushing Eddie toward blunt lessons and ultimately forcing both men to face pride, ambition, and integrity. The story builds to a tense, emotional climax at a big Atlantic City tournament where old lessons, fresh skill, and mutual respect collide. Viewers can expect taut, stylish pool-room sequences, sharp character work, and strong performances (especially Newman’s Oscar-winning turn) set against a moody, kinetic atmosphere. The film blends sports-action with quiet moral drama: it’s as much about the sound of a cue striking a ball as it is about risk, redemption, and the complicated bond between teacher and pupil.

Actors: Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Director: Martin Scorsese

Runtime: 119 min

Genres: Drama, Sport

7.0 /10 77 /100 7.0 /10 7.2 /10