Johnny Cash stars as a legendary pool hustler, back in town after a long absence (21 years, I think). He encounters a young punk who's got more swagger than skill at pool, and who turns out to be - hey! - his son. Yes, this film is a tired old vehicle made up of mostly clichés, and reminders of better films like The Hustler or The Cincinatti Kid. But it does have some decent performances, and then there's Cash himself. Some of his wardrobe is decidedly hoot-worthy, but I think his fans will happily overlook that. He also performs on the soundtrack, so that's another plus for fans. Watch out for the amusing scene where he pretends to be an undercover cop. Richard Roundtree has a memorable bit where he brings a welcome note of menace to the proceedings. Not really a good film, but a decent enough way of killing time if you've got nothing better to do.
4 Reviews
A likable made-for-TV drama
Woodyanders18 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Legendary late, great country singer Johnny Cash gives a typically fine and credible performance as legendary shrewd and redoubtable professional pool player William "The Baron" Addington, who calls it quits and only plays pool for charity because of problems with alcoholism. Addington gets back in the game to serve as a mentor to cocky, but promising newcomer Billy Joe "The Cajun Kid" Stanley (amiable Greg Webb), who's really Addington's son. The pair play in several major league tournaments together. But Billy's cagey, shifty manager Jack Streamer (a terrific Darren McGavin) intervenes. Director Gary Nelson relates the engrossing plot at a steady pace and elicits sturdy acting from a bang-up cast. Cash and Webb have an engaging on-screen chemistry; they receive sound support from Tracy Pollan as the brash, plucky Mary Beth Phillips, June Carter Cash as Addington's sassy ex-wife Dee Dee Stanley, Claude Akins as Addington's loyal pal Harley Medford, and Richard Roundtree as smooth, formidable champion pool player Frosty. Both John Lindley's slick cinematography and Brad Fiedel's melodic, alternately folksy and jazzy score are up to speed. As an added bonus, Cash even sings the cool country theme song. A nice little movie.
johnny cash (ex pool hustler), tries to unite with lost son he never knew he had
masse_j20009 May 2006
I found this to be a great movie. Being a huge pool fan I always find myself very upset with pool movies today. Not even a fan of the hustler, or color of money, which I did enjoy "The Baltimore Bullet" for it's fun.
Anyway.
This movie, though not being a big budget film and something actually from a Johnny Cash song (I'm not sure which come first the song or the movie). Is a really decent movie. It follows the lives of ex pool hustler played by Johnny Cash and a young pool hustler he finds out to be his son. It has a lot of drama that you could relate to Cash's real life, and has some of the most realistic pool games played out for a movie you will probably come by. The acting is decent and the writing is pretty much cookie cutter. But I give it an 8 for just being the best pool movie i've seen for realism on the pool table, and for the devotion the actors seemed to have for the part. They might not be the best, but at least they tried, and weren't there just trying to make more money than thou.
In a nut shell, if you're a Johnny Cash fan or a pool fan. Check this movie out, you won't be disappointed. Everyone else just expect a movie that isn't very good, and isn't very bad. Probably a forgettable movie for everyone else.
Anyway.
This movie, though not being a big budget film and something actually from a Johnny Cash song (I'm not sure which come first the song or the movie). Is a really decent movie. It follows the lives of ex pool hustler played by Johnny Cash and a young pool hustler he finds out to be his son. It has a lot of drama that you could relate to Cash's real life, and has some of the most realistic pool games played out for a movie you will probably come by. The acting is decent and the writing is pretty much cookie cutter. But I give it an 8 for just being the best pool movie i've seen for realism on the pool table, and for the devotion the actors seemed to have for the part. They might not be the best, but at least they tried, and weren't there just trying to make more money than thou.
In a nut shell, if you're a Johnny Cash fan or a pool fan. Check this movie out, you won't be disappointed. Everyone else just expect a movie that isn't very good, and isn't very bad. Probably a forgettable movie for everyone else.
Good Family Drama
gregberne1110 December 2019
There's nothing really new or surprising about this drama but it is very well done and in the interesting world of professional pool players, but also done in a way that keeps it completely real world while family friendly as well. Johnny Cash is great. Hard to find but well done, a must for fans of pool movies.
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