Movie "Turn The River" release date in May

Thank you for that review George. $500,000 isn't much now a days to produce a movie, but if it is better than PHJ and some of the others maybe it will at least break even in the end. Pool movies that lose $$ scare others from considering making them, no matter who's fault it was. Johnnyt
 
John Juback, aka "JJ" is a good friend of mine and a long time fixture in the New York City pool scene. He was manager of Julian's Billiards for a time and League Director at Amsterdam Billiards (when he wasn't acting). I met with him a few times about this movie and it was important to him that the pool aspects of it were credible. I met Femke Janssen when they were looking for the part played by Tony Robles and she was just beginning her pool training at the time. She took it very seriously, meeting with JJ very often.

What's more, JJ has always been very close to the game and a very capable player in his own right. He played an instrumental role in 1999 when Amsterdam Billiards hosted its Straight Pool Championships which many believe led to the 2000 U.S. Open Straight Pool (which hadn't been held in years).

I haven't seen this movie yet either but the enthusiasm that I saw when I met them could have only yielded good things. Although I did find Poolhall Junkies somewhat amusing, there was a pompous air to Mars Callahan's character that makes him very unlikeable. I met him on a trip to Los Angeles. My opinion remains unchanged. JJ, on the otherhand, is very amiable. I can't imagine anything less translating on screen.
 
Vroooooommmm......

I think this one's going to be a "sleeper"....

For you non-car people, that's one that looks like it ain't going no where but when you put it in drive .....all you see is "Smoke".... :cool: :D
 
Oh

George said:
$160???....
I believe you were misinformed sir.
I paid $9 per ticket.
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Oh, I did not see anything about just buying a ticket for one movie. Darn!
 
Hello all, John Juback here.
Thanks to Jude and George for your kind words. Jude, I can't tell you how much I miss shooting with you and the gang as well as just hanging out.

I wanted to write just a few words to explain to those that are curious why a 'name' player' like Tony was not hired to do pool teaching and shotmaking in "Turn The River".

First off, getting a name player as instructor was the original intention.
What happened was the director, Chris Eigeman saw a large article from the NY Times about me as a BCA certified pool teacher. He then got my acting resume and realized he could combine getting a professional actor for the part of Duncan and also use me as pool instructor since I played, and taught pool. Also I was the right age for the part. Chris told me he never expected that kind of luck. We met in NYC in a pool room and played and talked about the script and pool and what he wanted in the pool sequences.

To his credit he didn't want out and out trick shots. He wanted shots that while they may include kisses and caroms etc., they could actually be considered One-Pocket shots. My game is not what it used to be but my pool history includes growing up in the Clifton Billiard Lounge before, during and after Ray Martin was winning his 3 world championships. I knew a ton of one pocket shots and Chris knew some so it was just a matter teaching Famke.

If you all see the film, you will notice many cuts and edits in the pool sections. This was unavoidable in a movie making process. Also Chris was interested in photographing our faces to tune into what we were feeling during the matches. Because of the cutaways you may think someone else did the actual shots but I swear to you Famke did every one of her shots. she was amazing. We did not work together as much as we wanted to because 'X-Men' had just opened at that time and she had to fly all over the world to promote it.

I think what confuses people is that to have someone of the world class level of Tony Robles, it's natural to think Tony did the pool advising. I know I would think that. It just didn't work out that way partly because it is a small budget but also Jude Rosenstock was originally going to play that part when it was written as a very normal guy who happens to be a really good player.Then Chris changed the character to be a bit more hustler type so I recommended Tony. We all know Tony is one of the nicest guys in pool or anywhere but if you just look at him and you don't know him he can look a bit intimidating. That look is what Chris wanted. By the time Tony was cast we had already finished Famkes training and most of the pool stuff.

I don't know if the unused footage of Famke shooting various shots still exists but if it does and it ever gets put on the DVD, you all will be amazed.

If you have any other questions just fire away.

All the best'
JJ
 
I went and saw the movie with my wife on Saturday. Over all, I would say it was a nice film. Had a good look to it, very "indie style". I thought Famke, Rip, John and Tony all played their parts really well but was disappointed that Tony Robles didnt have a larger bit or at least a line with his own voice. (could be wrong, but didnt sound anything like him) Either way, I didnt see the point in his character being so silent.

As far as the pool playing, it was pretty good.... except for John's double hit foul in the first 1P set :)
 
cleary said:
I went and saw the movie with my wife on Saturday. Over all, I would say it was a nice film. Had a good look to it, very "indie style". I thought Famke, Rip, John and Tony all played their parts really well but was disappointed that Tony Robles didnt have a larger bit or at least a line with his own voice. (could be wrong, but didnt sound anything like him) Either way, I didnt see the point in his character being so silent.

As far as the pool playing, it was pretty good.... except for John's double hit foul in the first 1P set :)
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Cleary,
Very sharp observation. It's what they wanted so I gave it to them.
JJ
 
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