Scorsese Does Pool? Let's Talk About "The Color of Money"

Okay, so I'm working my way through Scorsese's filmography (slowly but surely!), and I just watched "The Color of Money." I knew basically nothing going in except that it was a sequel to "The Hustler" and involved pool. Honestly? It's pretty darn good. Maybe not top-tier Scorsese for me, but definitely worth the watch. Newman is just effortlessly cool as Fast Eddie Felson, and I loved seeing him grapple with the idea of getting back into the game. Tom Cruise as Vincent Lauria is...well, peak Tom Cruise. So much energy, sometimes a little too much, especially in that scene where he's doing the pool stick tricks. I get he's supposed to be cocky and undisciplined, but it felt a little forced sometimes. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Carmen is a great addition though, she plays the savvy girlfriend really well, keeps both Eddie and Vincent on their toes and provides a good counterpoint to their ego-driven antics. What really got me, though, was the direction. It's Scorsese, so obviously the visuals are fantastic. But the way he films the pool games, the tension, the close-ups on the balls and the players' faces...it's just masterful. The pool hall setting in general is also really cool, and Scorsese uses the lighting to create a great atmosphere. I think the film really shines in showing how easily hubris can ruin someone, and when Eddie realizes he still has what it takes, the camera work highlights the change. Overall, I enjoyed it way more than I expected. It's definitely a Scorsese film, even if it's not as dark or complex as some of his others. It made me want to go shoot some pool (and maybe rewatch "The Hustler" for comparison). Anyone else have strong opinions on this one? I'd love to hear them!