Hustle movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Hustle

This inspiring sports flick is now available on Netflix.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 58 minutes

Movie Review Mom Grade: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

Stanley Sugerman’s (Adam Sandler) love for basketball is unparalleled, but the travel-weary Philadelphia 76ers scout who has higher ambitions of being a coach remains stuck on the road looking for the next unknown talent. His search around the world leads him to Spain, when he discovers Bo Cruz (NBA player Juancho Hernangómez), an incredible streetball player with a troubled past. Stanley and Bo connect on and off the court, with their passion for the game and as loving family men who want to prove they can win, in basketball and in life. With the support of Stanley’s wife, Teresa (Queen Latifah), can the underdogs come out on top?

This inspiring story was directed by Jeremiah Zagar, and written by Taylor Matern and Will Fetters. Great job, guys!

THINGS I LIKED:

To be honest, I hesitated when I saw Adam Sandler was going to be in this movie. His goofy persona and crude movies are so tired, but I’m thrilled to announce that he is absolutely fantastic in this. His self-deprecating humor works beautifully so that we can all be in awe of the talented players that surround him. And that list of basketball stars is long! As part of the rolling credits at the end, we get to see awesome video footage that shows the MANY basketball greats that are spotlighted in the film.
Juancho Hernangomez is handsome and incredibly skilled. I guess that’s an obvious statement, but it had to be said.
Queen Latifah looks fantastic and is great in her role.
I love that we get to travel to Spain. I lived there for two years!
We also get to go to Philadelphia and experience the 76ers culture. Adam Sandler wears a “Federal Donut” t-shirt, which is a real restaurant famous for its donuts and fried chicken. Have you been there?
I also love that the discovered basketball player’s name is Bo. I have a son named Bo!
Lots of humor and entertaining banter.
You definitely don’t have to be a basketball fan to enjoy this.
I love training sequences. The ones in this movie are pretty doggone impressive and Philly, the classic training grounds of Rocky, is the perfect backdrop.
Wonderful hoop cinematography.
The story was perfectly placed. I never lost interest for a minute.
Adam Sandler’s character mentions LeBron James, who actually helped produce the movie.
I loved the energizing soundtrack, especially during the training sequences.
Yeah, it got me. Happy tears were shed.
How can you not love watching characters who are truly passionate about their dreams?

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I can’t think of anything. I really enjoyed this movie. Well, okay…it’s pretty predictable, but I still really enjoyed it. It follows the classic inspirational sports movie.
Really? We didn’t have enough movies called “Hustle” already?

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Profanity, including F-bombs.
Some crude conversations in English and Spanish.
A lot of Spanish is spoken without subtitles.
Talk and portrayal of violence.

THEMES:

Never back down
Persistence
Dreams
Redemption
Hope
Taking chances
The power of social media
Family

This image released by Netflix shows Ainhoa Pillet, from left, Maria Botto, Juancho Hernangomez and Adam Sandler in a scene from “Hustle.” (Scott Yamano/Netflix via AP)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Guys in their 50’s don’t have dreams. They have nightmares and eczema.” – Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler)
“Obsession’s going to beat talent every time.” – Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler)
“It’s you against you every time.” – Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler)
“Never back down.” – (Robert Duvall)
“A good player knows where he is on the court. A great player knows where everyone else is.” – Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler)
“It’s not about the last play. It’s about the next one, right?” – Teresa Sugerman (Queen Latifah)
“It’s not just how you play. It’s the intangibles.” – Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler)