Synopsis
In this conventional, formulaic tale about a nonchalant snooker (pool, British style) hustler who is conned into competing in a national championship, good ensemble acting carries the story beyond its predictable evolution. Bob Geldof is Harry (Flash) Gordon, the snooker player who hustles games in low-end London halls, picking up a little cash here and there and also getting into occasional trouble. Nevertheless, he is more or less content with his life and his girlfriend (a prostitute who loves him) until promoter Billy Evans (Mel Smith) comes along and convinces him to leave the penny-ante and troubles behind and compete in a national championship for real money. Big stakes create bigger headaches, and by the time the final game is set to be played, Gordon is faced with a decision to either save his skin and give in to pressure to throw the game, or stick to his scruples and play the best he can. For foreign, including American English speakers, the accents in the snooker halls may leave them a little linguistically snookered at first.
What Critics Say
No Hollywood.com review at this time
Spill.com puts a whole new spin on the "classic" movie review; turning dorky and dry into hilarious and hip. Spill's reviews are high-quality animated videos featuring a regular cast of comic personalities.
Movie News
-
-
MUSIC NOTES: Nelly's Number One
HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 17, 2000 -- This ain't no ordinary rap album. Unlike most, which start off strong and fade fast from the music charts, rapper Nelly's debut CD has rocketed to the No. 1 spot this week. But get this, "Country Grammer" has been in the Top 5 since it was released seven weeks ago.
Britney Spears' "Oops! ... I Did It Again" kept its lock on the No. 2 spot for the last four weeks, while the hits compilation "Now That's What I Call Music -- Vol. 4" stayed at No. 3.
Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP" and 'N Sync's "No Strings Attached," rounded out the Top Five.
CAT'S BACK: Cat Stevens is preparing for a comeback. Sort of.
After disappearing 20 years ago to devote his life to Islam, Stevens, 52, will oversee the re-releases of his earlier albums. His 1971 tune, "The Wind," will also be featured in director Cameron Crowe's new film, "Almost Popular