Poolhall Junk

Much of Poolhall Junkies illustrates what is wrong with Hollywood today. Like so many other films, it has this enthusiasm running through it, which seems to regard its salvage of tired, worn ideas and recycled plotlines as legitimate. The film stars Mars Callahan, Christopher Walken, Chaz Palminteri, and Clint Eastwood's daughter Alison in yet another take on the seedy underworld of gaming. This time, however, the central focus is on pool and not cards. While previous films like 'Rounders' have succeeded, 'Poolhall Junkies' doesn't.

The action concentrates on one great pool player who just can't find his niche. In essence, 'Poolhall Junkies' is a film about a compulsive gambler who has managed to overcome his obsession, but is drawn back into the world of pool-shooting when he needs to try to save someone close to him. Sound familiar? Well, it should. 'Poolhall Junkies' is nothing more than a montage of other films. There is a high-stakes game of pool with lives and fortunes hanging in the balance. There is the girlfriend who loves her man, but fails to understand why her man loves pool. There is even the clich?©d house party complete with Ben Savage (Boy Meets World) miserably attempting to flirt with girls.

Some people may find the film entertaining and fun, but I didn't. Just because it admits that it doesn't take itself seriously, doesn't mean it can get away with being lame and only mildly amusing. Many first time directors have made great films and Mars Callahan fails to understand this. His desire to be so cool, so slick, and so capable comes off as being second rate and second hand. The film seems likes it's on speed, but without the velocity. Between the many different plotlines and the incapacity to create connectivity, the film sputters along about as fast as its conmen try to sound.

Unfortunately, Chaz Palminteri fails to rescue the film. While many of his typecast, hoodlum roles carry weight, his pool shark hustler comes off as inadequate and boring. The presence demanding attention that Palmenteri once had seems long gone. His thug Joe is miserable in comparison to Sonny, his brilliant, self written role as a Bronx mob boss in 'A Bronx Tale'. Scenes with Callahan donning a t-shirt with the word 'hustler' across his chest in front of his mentor turned competitor (Palminteri), appear to highlight the impotence in Palminteri's character.

The saving grace of the film, as he is in many others, is Christopher Walken. From the second of his entrance with an off-screen line ("I'm gonna step outside and get some smog") you appreciate his contribution to the film. Walken saves this film and as always he does it with style. He plays a retired millionaire who likes to spend money. And while the film falls short on many accounts, it is great watching Walken devastate Palminteri with one look and a smile. His charisma and his penchant for his chutzpah is the only reason anyone should see this film. Walken makes a bad script great just by getting camera time and he manages to steal the film without being in more than four scenes.



While 'Poolhall Junkies' does contain some great pool shots, they are nothing spectacular when compared to ESPN nine ball championships. 'Poolhall Junkies' is less than mediocre and its conclusion, complete with a high stakes pool game, fails to resemble anything even close to a climax. While the characters of 'Poolhall Junkies' might be playing for their lives, they might as well be playing over a couple of beers.