Plot
A talented pool hustler who has stayed out of the game for years, must go back to his old ways when his little brother gets involved with his enemy, the very man who held him back from greatness.

Release Year: 2002

Rating: 6.7/10 (6,004 voted)

Critic's Score: 36/100

Director: Mars Callahan

Stars: Mars Callahan, Chazz Palminteri, Michael Rosenbaum

Storyline
Obsessed by the world of pool, Johnny (

Writers: Mars Callahan, Chris Corso

Cast:
Chazz Palminteri - Joe
Ricky Schroder - Brad (as Rick Schroder)
Rod Steiger - Nick
Michael Rosenbaum - Danny
Mars Callahan - Johnny
Alison Eastwood - Tara
Phillip Glasser - Max
Anson Mount - Chris
Glenn Plummer - Chico
Richard Portnow - Toupee Jay
Ernie Reyes Jr. - Tang
Peter Mark Richman - Phillip
Christopher Walken - Mike
Mike Massey - Louis
Orien Richman - Brett

Taglines: Sometimes you get a second shot... Make it.

Release Date: 21 March 2003

Filming Locations: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Box Office Details

Budget: $4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend: $301,856 (USA) (2 March 2003) (179 Screens)

Gross: $562,059 (USA) (23 March 2003)

Runtime: 99 min

Trivia:
The band scene was filmed at the Dead Goat Saloon in the Arrowhead Plaza in Salt Lake City, Utah. The only differences between the movie version and the real saloon are the drapes behind the band and that the dance floor does not have round tables.

Goofs:
Continuity: When Johnny and Brad are playing their final game, there is a wide shot that shows Uncle Mike in the background, before he shows up.

Quotes:
Guitar Player In Club Band: Y'know, you were really good tonight kid.
Danny Doyle: Yeah, too bad nobody will ever know.

"Do you ever watch those nature shows?"

Rating:

Poolhall Junkies is one of those little sweet pieces of film that can hold your attention throughout, get you to grin even when a joke isn't that funny, and let the viewer know debut filmmakers, such as Gregory "Mars" Martin, can still serve a purpose in a widening scumish movie season.

Martin plays Johnny Doyle, a poolroom hustler who after being controlled by a gangster (Palminterri) for fifteen years, breaks away in a sudden movie to go for bigger money. Unfortunately, his movie isn't helped by his cocky little brother (Rosenbaum) and friends who try to hustle the money for themselves only to get in deeper trouble with a semi-pro player.

The story and twists may have been seen in similar poolhall movies, yet the quick wit and even quicker style is on the mark. Lest I not forget, Steiger and Walken turn in two grand performances - Steiger, in his last film, as a weary poolroom worker, and Walken, who is very often both creepy and exceptional, gives fans a treat with a monologue that can only be compared to the one he gave in Pulp Fiction. Not everyone may follow this film, and it'll probably be out of theaters very soon, however it remains a treat for those who like quirky indie gangster movies. A-

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