I agree with Ebert's assessment that The Color of Money
"lacks the electricity, the wound-up tension"
But Ebert also said he probably would have given the film higher marks if it were directed by anyone else because he
"might not have expected so much. But The Color of Money is directed by Martin Scorsese, the most exciting American director now working, and it is not an exciting film."
That's kind of how I felt. Having said that, I did thoroughly enjoy The Color of Money. I just think the opportunity was there to do something far greater. A true sequel to The Hustler would seem to demand something more.

This film. It's a Greek tragedy in a pool room.

The Hustler- definitely.

The Color of Money is one of Scorsese's worst films.
The Hustler is a film that stands on its own and it's a pity that a sequel was made, especially one as poor as The Color of Money.
The only good thing that came from it is the fact that Newman won the Oscar that he should have got for the first film.

As much as i love Marty Scorsese, The Hustler is far superior. The Color of Money is a very good film but does not come close to The Hustler.

Cruise is meant to be irritating in "TCOM," unlike many of his other roles, where it is merely an unfortunate by-product.

Exactly!

Yes, the Hustler is iconic and a truly memorable movie. The Color of Money can't remotely hold a candle to the original. Tom Cruise is irritating and mars the sequel.

Not even a contest, this one is why better then the sequel. This is one of the greatest films ever made, to compare them is an insult to the iconic original.

This one.
"Did you make coffee? Make it!"Cheyenne.

Most agree that The Hustler is a considerably better film - as do I. But few will agree that The Color of Money is even a great film to begin with
Personally, I'm a huge fan of the latter, no question about it.
The Color of Money has dynamic performances, a lovely soundtrack (not including Clapton's hit), great direction by Scorsese, and overall it's just an entertaining and extremely re-watchable movie.
I love both of them.
How low can a punk get?

This film is superior. Both films showcase a great performance from Mr. Newman, though it's universally acknowledged his Oscar was more of a lifetime achievement award. He deserved about ten of those!
Thats a very interesting mixture of poetry and meanness.