Reviews now on YouTube! | Watch here

Larsen On Film

  • Review Library
  • Subscribe
  • Why I’m Wrong
  • About
  • Books

Hustle

 

Just enough insider detail to tantalize a hardcore basketball fan, but too much inspirational sports hooey to hook one, Hustle stars Adam Sandler as a beleaguered scout for the Philadelphia 76ers whose fate hinges on a phenom he finds playing pickup in Spain (Juancho Hernangomez, an actual role player in the NBA). Director Jeremiah Zagar brings some zip to the game sequences, with a variety of camera angles and movements, though there’s also a training montage that feels as long as all of Rocky. Sandler capably shifts into dramatic mode (though honestly, this could use a few more laughs), while Hernangomez is serviceable. To put his performance in hoop terms, you watch each line delivery the way you watch a shaky benchwarmer’s jump shot—with teeth clenched, hoping for the best, more relieved than excited when the ball rattles around the rim and falls in. You know who can act? Kenny “The Jet” Smith, playing a high-powered agent in one of the movie’s many and mostly amusing player/coach cameos.

(7/18/2022)

Recent Reviews

28 Years Later (2025)

Horror Rated R

“… as if Boyle and Garland had nearly 28 years of their own to generate ideas, then ended up smooshing them all into a single film.”

Familiar Touch (2025)

Drama Rated NR

“… something special, and tough.”

Elio (2025)

Family Rated PG

“Endearing before it turns into a junior-size Guardians of the Galaxy movie…”


Search Review Library

Sponsored by the following | become a sponsor



SUBSCRIBE


Sign up to receive emails

Sign up to get new reviews and updates delivered to your inbox!

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!




FOLLOW ONLINE



All rights reserved. All Content ©2024 J. Larsen
maintained by Big Ocean Studios

TOP