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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

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