‘Poolhall Junkies’
If you’re on the lookout for a new gambling film, Poolhall Junkies is a gritty early-aughts movie worth watching. Mars Callahan co-writes, directs, and stars in this cult favorite about a pool hustler, Johnny, forced to return to the game after his little brother ends up on the wrong side of a con with Johnny’s former mentor (Chazz Palminteri). It doesn’t quite reach the heights of modern favorites like Win It All and Mississippi Grind or classics like California Split and The Hustler, but Poolhall Junkies is a throwback to late ’90s/early aughts filmmaking that fans of the genre will enjoy. Plus it features a tremendous supporting performance from Christopher Walken! Stream it for free on Tubi.