Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 15 Critics  Critic
score distribution:   1. Positive: 2 out of 15   2. Negative: 6
out of 15   1. 75     One of the things I like best about
Poolhall Junkies is its lack of grim desperation.   2. 50
For all his skill with a cue, the charisma-challenged Callahan
is no Nia Vardalos in the acting department -- let alone a Paul
Newman or Tom Cruise.   3. 60     Brassy and energetic, first-
time director Mars Callahan's vividly photographed ode to the
seductive allure of professional sharking succeeds in making the
game seem genuinely kinetic and thrilling.   4. Plays out like a
variation on an old design dictum: If you can't make it good,
make it big.   5. Stole so many details from the earlier film,
"The Hustler," that you have to think of it as either a bad
parody or an unfortunate homage.   6. 10     Looks like a cheap
polyester suit, an entirely synthetic composite of scenes from
other movies.   7. Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy     Callahan
mostly overcomes its grungy