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jfbroughton
Reviews
Poolhall Junkies (2002)
Very Poor Film
I am a big fan of pool, and have been watching all the pool movies I can find. The obviously great Hustler and Color of money are the only two of any quality I have found. The pool played in Poolhall Junkies is absurd, the way the plot develops is so slow and preictable and the ending is just dull. To me it seems strangely disjointed in places with many scenes not fiting or joining to those around them. Its not funny enough for a comedy and the plot and action is too thin for anything else. It is a little better than Stickmen which is not even worth comment.
Can it really be that to make a good film about pool Paul Newman is needed ? Surely someone with a brain out there can come up with something a little better than Poolhall Junkies, I'm considering writing a script myself.
Uncle Buck (1989)
Simply the Best of the Best
Without a doubt my favorite film of all time. Since a child I have loved this film and I still watch it many years on with the same enjoyment. The essence of this film is the unbelievably likable John Candy who is utterly effortless and yet captures full attention when on screen. John Hughes, one of the most underrated directors of the last 50 years, is on form and keeps the saccharine sweet nature of the film well under control in a way few others could.
Other than Candy the rest of the cast is amazing with many household names. As good as they are they are never more than a backdrop for Candy. I have no idea how achieves such a strong presence by doing so little, I suppose its like a sportsman at the top of their game - they make it look easy.
If anyone hasn't seen it - go and buy it now, lie down on the sofa with some popcorn and a drink - relax and forget the outside world for a while.