Top 10 Reasons Hustlers Will Blow You Away
#10: It’s an Absorbing True Story
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“Hustlers” tells an engrossing tale of retribution, greed, and sisterly love. And the fact that it was inspired by actual events makes the movie all the more enthralling. Journalist Jessica Pressler provided the film’s basis with her 2015 article, “Hustlers and Scores.” As detailed in Pressler’s piece, “Hustlers” centers on a group of strippers who resort to drastic measures in the wake of an economic disaster. Attracting and drugging men in bars, the women milk their targets until their credit cards run dry… and, although some of the names have been changed, the film remains mostly faithful to Pressler’s article and what actually happened. In some ways similar to 2017’s “Molly’s Game,” it’s one of those movies where you need to constantly remind yourself that this is a true story.
#9: Its Complex Characters
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It would’ve been easy to depict the main characters as Robin Hood-type figures who simply rob from the rich and give to the poor. But what makes “Hustlers” far more interesting is that nobody’s completely innocent. After years of being objectified and degraded, it’s perhaps easy to understand why the dancers would turn to crime. Sticking it to the man is just an added bonus, especially since the guys they go after aren’t exactly saints. That said, by this film’s close, their own criminal records aren’t exactly clean... And then there’s Julia Stiles’ character, a reporter named Elizabeth who, much like the audience, is torn between being shocked and being able to identify with these anti-heroines.
#8: It’s Arguably the Best Exotic Dance Movie Ever
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Between “Striptease” and “Showgirls,” we’ve yet to see a truly compelling movie that revolves around the world of exotic dancing. “Hustlers” succeeds where its predecessors failed in-part by not putting too much emphasis on the actual dancing. Unlike “Striptease,” the humor doesn’t clash with the hard-hitting moments. And unlike “Showgirls,” the film isn’t purely an exercise in trying to shock the audience. “Hustlers” captures both the glamor and the occupational hazards that come with this particular line of work. While certainly not without its steamy moments, it’s much more about the backstage drama and the power of friendship through the hard times. These characters, their struggles, and their relationships are fully fleshed out.
#7: It’s Surprisingly Funny
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It may be a crime drama, but “Hustlers” offers a refreshing sense of humor reminiscent of the ‘80s comedy “9 to 5.” Every key player has a well-defined personality and the chemistry between the cast couldn’t be more natural. So, when you throw them into an over-the-top scenario, like trying to perfect a drug formula, the jokes practically write themselves. Some of the film’s funniest moments come right out of real life too, such as a particularly memorable conversation about Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. It’s especially hilarious when the characters’ schemes inevitably start spiraling out of control, forcing everyone out of their comfort zones… But even when the humor is at its darkest, this film respects its main characters and doesn’t turn them into the butt of the joke.
#6: It’s an Original Take on Con Artist Movies
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Going into “Hustlers,” you might expect a more traditional con artist flick ala “Ocean’s 8.” The characters and their environment, however, make for a crime story that stands out from all the rest. The women in this film make a living pretending to be attracted to sleazy men. So, once they make the leap to hustling, they already have some of the key skills needed; which is part of what makes this such a unique approach to the heist genre. For years, they’ve been underestimated by men, who only take notice of their bodies. But now they’re using this blind spot to their advantage, giving Wall Street moguls a taste of their own medicine.
#5: Lorene Scafaria’s Direction & Screenplay
From “Booksmart” to “Late Night,” 2019 has been another strong year for movies helmed by female directors. Lorene Scafaria continues this hot streak with “Hustlers,” which is driven by her eye for style and witty dialogue. Scafaria made her feature screenplay debut with “Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist” and her directorial debut with “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.” While neither of those films made a huge dent at the box office, both established her as an inventive storyteller with a knack for creating colorful characters. Scafaria’s trademarks are on full display here, but “Hustlers” is also a showcase for her range as a filmmaker. She’s made a smart, original, and stimulating thriller that’s 100% her vision.
#4: It Earns Comparison to Classic Crime Stories
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Before Scafaria landed the gig, the top choice to direct “Hustlers” was Martin Scorsese… which shouldn’t come as a shock, because the film parallels some of Scorsese’s finest works. Like “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Hustlers” unveils the highs and lows of a shady, underground world. On one hand, we know that the characters are crooks and shouldn’t necessarily be admired. At the same time, we’re strangely drawn to the glory, the riches, and the power that comes with their business. As is the case with most of Scorsese’s protagonists, however, greed always come at a price. The film’s commentary on the 2008 financial crisis also invites comparison to “The Big Short,” which also makes sense since that movie’s director Adam McKay is a producer here.
#3: It Reflects Modern Times
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Although the film sets itself between 2007 and 2014, “Hustlers” hasn’t lost any of its relevance in today’s world. Even if you’re not exactly up to speed with the sex industry, countless women can relate to the hardships the characters endure here. Despite being the ones who bring in all the money, they find themselves giving away a hefty portion of their paychecks to the men in charge. Tired of being undervalued, they decide to rewrite the rules of the game. Now more than ever, people are starting to wake up and take notice of the unfair treatment towards many women in the workplace. And this movie shows that if women aren’t going to be treated as equals, the system can no longer expect them to remain quiet and “play nice”.
#2: Its Empowering, Female-Led Ensemble
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The success of a movie like this largely hinders on its casting and “Hustlers” assembles a foolproof crew. Fresh off the success of “Crazy Rich Asians,” Constance Wu heads this female ensemble piece as Dorothy, aka Destiny. While Wu brings her signature comedic chops to the role, she also exemplifies a grittier side we’ve yet to see before. Keke Palmer of “Scream Queens” and Lili Reinhart of “Riverdale” score some of the biggest laughs as newbie dancers Mercedes and Annabelle. And we even get a solid film debut form Cardi B, who actually used to be a stripper in real life. While “Hustlers” is a significant push for diversity in Hollywood, it makes its mark by being a standout movie first and foremost.
#1: Jennifer Lopez
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Jennifer Lopez’s acting career has had its low points, but she totally owns the screen and the pole in “Hustlers.” As Ramona Vega, Lopez turns in her most layered and passionate performance since “Selena.” On stage, Ramona is a desirable goddess who can entrance anybody with a beating heart. Behind the scenes, she’s a caring friend who’s every bit as motivated as the Wall Street clients who throw dollar bills at her. In fact, Ramona would’ve surely made a great Wall Street employee in another reality! Lopez strikes just the right balance and, just as Lady Gaga conquered the awards season with her role in “A Star Is Born,” we wouldn’t be surprised if Lopez’s performance resulted in an Oscar nomination.
