Hustle

UK Release Date: 08 June 2022

Certification: 15

Director: Jeremiah Zagar

Cast: Robert Duvall, Anthony Edwards, Ben Foster, Juancho Hernangomez, Queen Latifiah, Adam Sandler, Kenny Smith

Rating: 69%

Adam Sandler at his brilliant best. 

Review:

Hustle is the latest in line, following on from Uncut Gems, of films that are redefining Adam Sandler's career as a serious actor. And he makes this film work with his subtle and understating performance as basketball scout Stanley Sugarman. Sandler's also heavily involved throughout the production and that thoughtfulness and care taken with the movie bleeds through onto the screen. His love for the game is evident and it only heightens his brilliant performance. He does his usual comedic beats but it's never overwhelming and emotion is favoured instead. 

Sandler's chemistry with newcomer, Juancho Hernangomez (Bo Cruz), is the best aspect of Hustle. They have the heartwarming moments that help form a real bond between the two. The professional basketball player doesn't look out of his depth, giving a believable and convincing performance. Anthony Edwards and Ben Foster are great as the main antagonists of Hustle. Especially, Foster who's fantastic at playing unlikeable characters. You hate his character within five minutes of the movie starting. On top of this, Robert Duvall and Queen Latifah are able to deliver in background roles. 

The film feels like a realistic depiction of NBA basketball and that's due to the stars involved in the production. LeBron James is involved as a producer and you can feel his influence. The action on the court feels vibrant, energetic and tense, Hustle is also riddled with cameos from stars such as Seth Curry, Boban Marjanovic and Shaquille O'Neal.

Yet, Hustle isn't without it's flaws. Whilst executed superbly, this is one of, if not the most, formulaic sports movie I have ever seen. It has everything - the classic underdog story that fails before it succeeds, a polar opposite adversity that must be overcome and a bubbling climax that allows our 'hero' to shine on his last attempt. It's incredibly cliched from start to finish and in all honesty, you can sit down and predict every single beat in the movie ten minutes before it actually takes place.