Movie Review: Hustlers Movie
'Hustlers' is little more than you'd expect from the outset – all skimpy outfits, heavy makeup, dim nightclub lighting, egotistical businessmen, impressive pole dancing, and lots of shopping. It's all style and little substance, but I was entertained by the nostalgic 00s soundtrack blasting hit pop and R'n'B tracks from the era. That would all be well enough if there also weren't so little appeal in the cast.
Those who have seen the cast rundown might be excited to see Cardi B and Lizzo in there, mainly playing themselves. But be warned – the musicians only feature in the movie's in the first act and disappear after that. Constance Wu leads the cast, and while she's a talented actress like in 'Crazy Rich Asians,' JLo is the star in this film. Lopez is a force of nature where Wu's performance lacks warmth or charisma, and OMG she looks incredible, especially during the pole dance sequences. Elsewhere the characters played by Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart are more or less interchangeable with the 'Riverdale' actress's defining characteristic being that she vomits when nervous. Then Julia Stiles seems to have been cast just so audiences can say, "Oh, there's Julia Stiles." Thus there's never really a feel for a personality or personalities you can root for.
The narrative follows a newcomer coming under a veteran's wing, enjoying a satisfying and mutually-beneficial relationship with her mentor, then experiencing a falling-out. What makes Hustlers sufficiently different from being worth a look are a perspective and setting. Visually, the movie derives inspiration not only from Scorsese but (more obviously) music videos. Several long takes to amp up the energy level. The focus on developing the relationships among the four women works as a distraction from some of the story's less plausible elements. I think that this film was a little too long. A lot of the scenes repeated itself and wasn't necessary.
If you are looking for just a fun movie to watch with your girls, ‘Hustlers’ movie is excellent.This film, in the beginning, was a lot of fun, has a great cast, JLO looks amazing, but sadly though, nothing sticks and it's easily forgotten soon after you see it. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.