(star)(star) 1/2
Rob Nilsson’s “Chalk” starts out slowly, but if you can wade through the scattered introduction of characters and garbled expository dialogue, you will be rewarded with a sometimes-powerful story of family expectations, sibling rivalry and life as a pool shark.
“Chalk” suggests what “The Hustler” might have looked like had it been directed by John Cassavetes. It does have a pool-playing hero of sorts, TC (Kelvin Han Yee), and a worthy heavy, played with scary skill by the film’s co-writer, Don Bajema. It also boasts a cast of strong supporting players. But instead of focusing on the big game alone, “Chalk” zeroes in on some of the reasons people have for succeeding (or failing) and how family dynamics can play a vital role.
It’s too long, and the gory ending seems a bit gratuitous, but along the way, there are more than enough cinematic high points to pull us in.
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“Chalk” opens Friday at Facets Multimedia. Running time: 2:15. No MPAA rating (not recommended for children: strong language, violence, sexual situations).
