The life of Johnny, a young ambitious guy, who learns billiards and becomes professional on it, has been changed completely, when he gives up playing and is forced to return to save his brother.
As a director, Callahan wants the verve that Martin Scorsese brought to The Color of Money, but his visual approach is careless, relying too much on clichéd slo-mo and hasty edits.
St. Paul Pioneer Press
May 16, 2003
When Christopher Walken saunters into Poolhall Junkies, he kicks it from so-so to worthwhile.
Reno Gazette-Journal
September 26, 2003
The fast-paced picture sizzles with energy, and it's a tour de force for Mars Callahan, who co-wrote and directed.
Toronto Star
March 21, 2003
Whatever you want to say about this Mars Callaghan -- who is an avid cue-man in real life -- he would seem to be able to sink anything. Darned if he doesn't make this whole movie disappear.
This film coulda been a contender if Callahan hadn't worn so many hats -- but it has moments that make it worth waiting for on video.
Las Vegas Weekly
September 07, 2003
With a better lead and more inspired direction, Poolhall Junkies might have been decent entertainment. But Callahan the actor is the biggest liability in Callahan the director's film.
Ebert & Roeper
March 04, 2003
[A]ll of it just seems so familiar and so trite, we know exactly where this is going.
Newsday
February 28, 2003
90 minutes of slow-leaking, macho stomach gas, in which everyone talks like they were on brawny pills and every tawdry song on the soundtrack makes you feel as if you were trapped in a lap dance club.
Reel Film Reviews
April 13, 2003
Though there's not much in Poolhall Junkies we haven't seen many times before, the film manages to remain mostly entertaining due mostly to some surprisingly effective performances and a brisk pace.
A lowlife billiards drama that lacks the drive and edginess of the classic The Hustler, Poolhall Junkies does get by on its humor, energy and earnest charm.
