Hustlers: Film Review

Synopsis

Based on the 2015 New York Magazine Article "The Hustlers at Scores," Hustlers is the true story of a group of strippers that scam Wall Street men into giving them more money. It focuses on Destiny (Constance Wu), a new mother who also cares for her grandmother, and her relationship with Ramona (J. Lo). After the 2008 stock market crash, the women need money to sustain their lives, so they resort to  drugging and scamming (AKA "fishing") Wall Street guys for extra cash.

Review

To start, the film looks amazing. It’s cinematography, production, and costume design all contribute to its wonderful visual style. The film is not what it initially presents itself as. It is a much different film than the one that is advertised and that’s a good thing. The performances are great in this movie, particularly those from Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. Jennifer Lopez gives an impassioned performance as Ramona, the ringleader, however, she is a supporting cast member. I would say that this is almost a career-best for her (acting career, that is). Jennifer Lopez’s performance, I think, is at least Golden Globe worthy (and her entrance is one for the history books). The lead in the film I consider to be Constance Wu’s Destiny. This is kind of a departure for her being that she usually does comedies in which she seems a bit robotic. I am glad to see a more emotional performance from her and a much better one as well. They are great supporting performances as well, particularly from Keke Palmer and Cardi B. Cardi B‘s performance, while very brief, is quite hilarious, and Keke Palmer has a moment in the film that will be a meme for sure. I just wish that they had utilized their supporting cast more. Also, there is a celebrity cameo that seems a bit odd because it’s the old celebrity playing the young celebrity. That’s the equivalent of white Michael Jackson playing black Michael Jackson without makeup. But I digress. The film also benefits from strong direction and a smart script (there are some great laughs in this) from Lorene Scafaria. This is an extremely, almost shockingly, well-crafted film. The film is very creative in the way that it delivers its story and it’s wildly entertaining. As previously mentioned, this film has much more than it lets on. Not only is it a heist thriller set in a strip club, it is a strong drama on the depths of sisterhood and friendship.