Dome Pondering Movie Review: Hustle (2022)

What is it about?

A long-time scout, Stanley Sugarman, grinds out the life of an NBA scout and the politics of the NBA by taking a chance on a prospect he believes in to change both of their lives.

Who is in it?

Adam Sandler - Stanley Sugarman

Juancho Hernangomez - Bo Cruz

Queen Latifah - Teresa Sugarman

Favorite Scene:

Kermit and Bo line up at center court and Kermit begins the trash talk to get inside of Bo's head, eventually taking him off his game.

Favorite Quote:

"I'll say one last inspirational thing to you: they can't kill you if you're already dead."

Review:

Hustle sat on "My List" on my Netflix account for quite a long time. Parked on the couch in the middle of the night with a newborn, and jonesing for some hoops, I dove in on what I read (and heard from others) was a "really good film". I'll give away the suspense, I thought Hustle was decent. It felt too cliche and had little depth, but still, a really good film.

The appearances throughout the film were really cool and added to the authenticity of the lifestyle we're peeking in on in regards to Stanley Sugarman. For me, the film never presents anything in the journey that leads me to believe things wouldn't work out for Cruz.

At some points, within the authenticity, some moments felt all too cheesy and fairytale-like, which is great for a storybook ending, but again, never takes the viewer deeper into the world of the NBA and expresses just how difficult it is to get to the stage for players and coaches.

Nonetheless, the film is still worthy of the watch and is not outright terrible. It has moments of good punchlines, and Sandler is good in the role of Stanley Sugarman. Surprisingly, Anthony Edwards was one of the few NBA'ers who was really good - who knew?!

Give it a try. Not bad. Just don't have huge expectations.

Grade: 2.5/5

Recent Favorites

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us. Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long. But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot. I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw. "How the hell did they just win that game?!" It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences. Namely you, Reggie Miller. I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls. I'll never let this one down. Ever. I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/28/24

3 Up 1. DiVincenzo Shot - Yeah, I'm biased. And you know what, I don't care. This moment brought me so many jobs this week, and it still is. "Bang! Bang!" 2. Caitlin Clark Effect - Well, here we go. So many of the WNBA teams have begun moving their games against the Indiana Fever to larger arenas. The upcoming WNBA season is going to be so incredibly interesting. 3. Candace Parker - Rounding out a hoops-heavy "Up" this week is the retirement of Candace Parker. Yes, she drives the Knicks fanbase bonkers, but Parker is one of the greatest to ever lace them up. It's a shame she had to retire due to injury, but nonetheless, she should be proud. I personally will remember the 2021 WNBA Finals where she led her hometown Chicago Sky over the star-studded Phoenix Mercury. 3 Down 1. Campus Protests - I've witnessed them personally at NYU. And we are set to see these protests continue, and likely grow, on campuses over the next few weeks. We are likely to s

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No? 2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought. 3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft. 3 Down 1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed. 2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog