I caught this film last night and was truly impressed. It moves at a great click, but still gives some time for the characters to develop; not too much, but enough. Mars Callahan is awesome in his role as Johnny Doyle, a small town guy who has dreamed of being a professional pool player since he was eleven and, "Walked into a pool hall, picked up a cue and just knew what to do". Playing Callahan's Nemesis and once-father figure Joe is The Italian bad-ass himself, Chazz Palminteri, who takes Johnny in when he's young and turns his talent the way of the Pool Hustler rather than pro. When Johnny gets hip to Joe's deception, he goes off to make his own way and leave the pool hall behind. He soon finds that there is nothing he can do better in the world, and has to stand up to Joe once and for all to reach his full potential. When Johnny meets Mike (brilliantly played by Christopher Walken), he finds someone who believes in him and helps him to overcome his own doubts and do what he does best; play a damn fine game of pool. Add these elements together with a great script with enough nuances to keep you interested, along with some jaw dropping trick shots, and you have a great film that never got the attention it deserved. If you're a pool player, you'll understand what makes this film fun. If you're not, you might want to pick up a pool cue after seeing it.
Review of Poolhall Junkies
