Hustle (2022 film)

Last updated

Hustle
Hustle (2022 film).jpg
Official release poster
Directed by Jeremiah Zagar
Written by
  • Taylor Materne
  • Will Fetters
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography Zak Mulligan
Edited by
  • Tom Costain
  • Brian Robinson
  • Keiko Deguchi
Music by Dan Deacon
Production
companies
Distributed by Netflix
Release dates
  • June 3, 2022 (2022-06-03)
(theatrical)
  • June 8, 2022 (2022-06-08)
(Netflix)
Running time
118 minutes
CountryUnited States
Languages
  • English
  • Spanish
Budget$21 million [1]

Hustle is a 2022 American sports comedy-drama film [2] directed by Jeremiah Zagar, written by Taylor Materne and Will Fetters, and co-produced by and starring Adam Sandler as a down-on-his-luck National Basketball Association (NBA) scout who discovers a raw but talented basketball player in Spain (Juancho Hernangómez) and tries to prepare him for the NBA draft. The film also stars Queen Latifah, Ben Foster, Robert Duvall, Heidi Gardner, and current NBA player Anthony Edwards. LeBron James produced the film through his SpringHill Company banner.

Contents

Hustle was released in select theaters on June 3, 2022, and on Netflix on June 8. The film received positive reviews from critics, with Sandler's performance singled out for praise and earning him his first Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.

Plot

Stanley Sugerman, a jaded international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, lives life on the road searching for future stars. His frequent travel takes a toll on his wife Teresa and daughter Alex. While he is liked by 76ers owner Rex Merrick, he clashes with Rex's son Vincent. Rex promotes Stanley to assistant coach, allowing him to remain at home with his family. The same evening, however, Rex dies, leaving Vince in charge. Three months later, Vince demotes Stanley again to scout, sending him overseas. His former college teammate Leon Rich encourages him to leave the 76ers and also become a player agent. When Stanley's plan to scout a player in Spain falls through, watching a local pick-up game, he is stunned by an incredibly talented unknown player.

Stanley attempts to speak with the man, Bo Cruz, but is rebuffed until he makes a FaceTime call to Dirk Nowitzki to prove his legitimacy. Bo and his mother Paola recount his life story: he was a talented player from an early age and was invited to play in America at age 15, but stayed in Spain after his girlfriend became pregnant with his daughter Lucia. Bo now works construction and makes extra money hustling at basketball. After an impressive workout with members of the Spanish national team, Stanley urges the 76ers front office to sign Cruz immediately, but Vincent is unconvinced. Taking matters into his own hands, Stanley pays to bring Cruz to the US, telling him he will be signed by the Sixers or enter the NBA draft. At the airport, Bo is detained for an aggravated assault conviction he received in Spain. He is released, but warned that he could be deported if he were to be arrested in America.

Stanley takes Bo to play at a showcase organized by Leon, which is also attended by the presumptive second overall pick Kermit Wilts. Stanley advises Bo that if he successfully defends Wilts, it will significantly raise his stock with the Sixers. During the workout, Cruz shows flashes of talent, but struggles on offense and at guarding Wilts, who trash talks him and throws him off his game. When Vince passes on Bo, Stanley quits the 76ers to prepare Cruz for the NBA Draft Combine six weeks away. Telling Bo his only weakness is his sensitivity, he builds on his mental toughness. Teresa and Alex assist with the training by preparing meals and taping workouts. Bo improves dramatically through Stanley's coaching, but Leon cannot get him into the Draft Combine after Vince spreads information about Bo's assault charge.

Furious at Stanley, Bo eventually reveals the charge stemmed from a fight with Lucia's mother's boyfriend after she tried to claim sole custody of Lucia. Stanley admits his injured hand was from a drunk driving crash while in college, derailing his basketball team's season and putting him in jail for six months. Their trust renewed, Stanley works tirelessly to get Bo into the combine, without success. To create interest, the Sugermans enlist Julius Erving to create a viral video of "the Boa Challenge", where people, including 76ers player Tobias Harris, attempt to score on Bo for money. Cruz is eventually accepted into the combine, and Stanley flies Lucia and Paola to the US to support him. Bo impresses in the physical elements of the combine, but faces off with Wilts again in a five-on-five exhibition game. He initially performs well, but Kermit begins talking trash about Bo's daughter and mother, eventually breaking his composure as he pushes Kermit down the floor. Bo then storms out of the combine.

Thinking that their journey is over, Stanley accompanies Bo to the airport. However, before Bo's plane leaves for Spain, Stanley receives a call from Leon informing about a private game for players and front office members and that Bo and Kermit have both been invited to participate. Playing without pressure, Cruz locks down Wilts defensively and demonstrates his offensive abilities. Rex's daughter Kat, who recognizes Stanley's talent, reveals she is taking over from Vince and rehires him. Five months later, the 76ers and Boston Celtics tip off for a game against each other with Stanley now the assistant coach of the 76ers and Bo playing for the Boston Celtics.

Cast

Longtime Villanova head coach Jay Wright along with other current and former NBA players and coaches portray themselves or other characters. Trae Young, Jordan Clarkson, Khris Middleton, Aaron Gordon, Kyle Lowry, Seth Curry, Luka Dončić, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, Aaron McKie, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, Dirk Nowitzki, Brad Stevens, Doc Rivers, Dave Joerger, Mark Jackson, Sergio Scariolo, José Calderón, Leandro Barbosa, Álex Abrines and Maurice Cheeks portray themselves, while Boban Marjanović plays the "Big Serbian" and Moritz Wagner the German "Haas". Street ball legends Grayson "The Professor" Boucher, Larry "Bone Collector" Williams, and Waliyy "Main Event" Dixon appear. [3] Felipe Reyes, Pierre Oriola and Juancho's brother Willy Hernangómez appear as members of the Spanish national team. Local Philadelphia journalist Anthony Gargano plays himself and Philadelphia rapper Tierra Whack plays herself.

Production

In May 2020, Adam Sandler joined the cast of the film, with Jeremiah Zagar directing from a screenplay by Taylor Materne and Will Fetters, with Netflix set to distribute. [4] Sandler had seen Zagar's 2018 narrative feature debut We the Animals , and asked him to take a look at the script for Hustle. Zagar was initially hesitant, before becoming intrigued at the idea of shooting basketball in a cinematic way and signing on to the project. [5]

In September 2020, Queen Latifah announced she had joined the cast of the film. [6] In October 2020, Robert Duvall, Ben Foster, Juancho Hernangómez, Jordan Hull, María Botto, Ainhoa Pillet, Kenny Smith, and Kyle Lowry joined the cast of the film. [7] [8] [9]

Filming began in Philadelphia in October 2020, [10] and continued at the Coatesville Area High School in Pennsylvania. [11] Many Philadelphia school, college, and university buildings were filming locations, including Tom Gola Arena at La Salle University, where the combine scene was filmed, and the Liacouras Center at Temple University, where Sandler's character is depicted playing college basketball. Multiple scenes were filmed in Center City, Philadelphia, including on Market Street [12] and the Italian Market, [13] as well as in Manayunk and South Philadelphia. Additional filming took place in Camden, New Jersey, and in Wells Fargo Center on January 14, 2022, where the Celtics and 76ers played against each other in a regulated NBA game. [14]

Reception

Audience viewership

Hustle was released in select theaters June 3, 2022, and worldwide on Netflix on June 8. According to Netflix, it was the platform's most-viewed film between June 8–19. [15] [16]

Critical response

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 93% based on 171 reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10. The website's consensus reads, "Hustle doesn't have any fancy moves, but it doesn't need them—Adam Sandler's everyman charm makes this easy layup fun to watch." [15] Metacritic , which uses a weighted average , assigned the film a score of 68 out of 100, based on 41 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. [17]

Sandler's performance was singled out for praise. [18] [19] For ABC News, critic Peter Travers wrote: "It's always a slam dunk when Adam Sandler drops his doofus routine and really acts. And here, as a basketball scout who yearns to coach, he infuses every frame of this formulaic crowd-pleaser with a real-deal love of the game. Hot damn! We have a winner." [20] Owen Gleiberman felt Sandler "plays Stanley with an inner sadness, a blend of weariness and resilience, and a stubborn faith in the game that leaves you moved, stoked, and utterly convinced." [21] Robert Daniels for Polygon praised Sandler's "stunning, often unlikely intimacy", called Hernangómez "captivating", and complimented the filmmaking showcasing the basketball play, but felt the writers "struggle to develop their characters". [22]

Nina Metz of the Chicago Tribune was critical of the script, stating, "There aren't really any characters, it's kind of remarkable. It's a film that doesn't even rely on archetypes, it simply populates the screen with people, some of whom occasionally say things." [23]

Accolades

AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
People's Choice Awards December 6, 2022 The Comedy Movie of 2022HustleNominated [24]
The Comedy Movie Star of 2022 Adam Sandler Won [24]
Queen Latifah Nominated [24]
The Female Movie Star of 2022Nominated [24]
Indiana Film Journalists AssociationDecember 19, 2022Best Lead PerformanceAdam SandlerNominated [25]
Best Musical Score Dan Deacon Nominated [25]
Best EditingTom Costain, Brian M. Robinson, Keiko DeguchiNominated [25]
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards January 28, 2023 Best Actor Adam SandlerNominated [26]
Satellite Awards February 11, 2023 Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical Adam SandlerNominated [27]
Screen Actors Guild Awards February 26, 2023 Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role Adam SandlerNominated [28]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philadelphia 76ers</span> National Basketball Association team in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia 76ers, also known colloquially as the Sixers, are an American professional basketball team based in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The 76ers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games at the Wells Fargo Center located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Sandler</span> American actor and comedian (born 1966)

Adam Richard Sandler is an American actor and stand-up comedian. Primarily a comedic leading actor in films, his accolades include nominations for three Grammy Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2023, Sandler was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilt Chamberlain</span> American basketball player (1936–1999)

Wilton Norman Chamberlain was an American professional basketball player. Standing 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall, he played center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 14 seasons. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Chamberlain was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978 and elected to the NBA's 35th, 50th, and 75th anniversary teams. Following his professional basketball career, Chamberlain played volleyball in the short-lived International Volleyball Association (IVA). He served one term as league president and is enshrined in the IVA Hall of Fame. Renowned for his strength, he played the antagonist in the 1984 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Conan the Destroyer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allen Iverson</span> American basketball player (born 1975)

Allen Ezail Iverson is an American former professional basketball player. Nicknamed "the Answer", he played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) at both the shooting guard and point guard positions. Iverson won NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1997 and was an 11-time NBA All-Star, won the All-Star Game MVP Award in 2001 and 2005, and was the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2001. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. In October 2021, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Iverson is regarded as one of the game's greatest scorers, ball handlers, guards, and one of the most influential athletes in American sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malik Rose</span> American basketball player (born 1974)

Malik Jabari Rose is an American former professional basketball player. Rose played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), winning championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wes Unseld</span> American basketball player and coach (1946–2020)

Westley Sissel Unseld Sr. was an American professional basketball player, coach and executive. He spent his entire National Basketball Association (NBA) career with the Baltimore/Capital/Washington Bullets. Unseld played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals and was selected with the second overall pick by the Bullets in the 1968 NBA draft. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Rookie of the Year during his rookie season and joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players in NBA history to accomplish the feat. Unseld won an NBA championship with the Bullets in 1978, and the Finals MVP award to go with it. After retiring from playing in 1981, he worked with the Bullets/Wizards as a vice president, head coach, and general manager.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doug Collins (basketball)</span> American basketball player and coach (born 1951)

Paul Douglas Collins is an American basketball executive, former player, coach and television analyst in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played in the NBA from 1973 to 1981 for the Philadelphia 76ers, earning four NBA All-Star selections. He then became an NBA coach in 1986, and had stints coaching the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. Collins also served as an analyst for various NBA-related broadcast shows. He is a recipient of the Curt Gowdy Media Award. In April 2024, Collins was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2024 by the Contributors Committee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">76ers–Celtics rivalry</span> National Basketball Association rivalry

The 76ers–Celtics rivalry is a National Basketball Association (NBA) rivalry between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. The two teams have the most meetings in the NBA playoffs, playing each other in 22 series, with the Celtics winning 15 of them. The 76ers are considered to be the Celtics' second biggest rival, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers.

Happy Madison Productions, Inc. is an American film and television production company founded in 1999 by Adam Sandler, which is best known for its comedy films. Happy Madison takes its name from the films Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison, written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, and distributed by Universal Pictures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Gola Arena</span>

Tom Gola Arena was a 3,400-seat multi-purpose arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania situated inside the TruMark Financial Center. It was home to the La Salle University Explorers men's and women's basketball teams.

The 1966–67 season of the Philadelphia 76ers was their 14th season in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and their 4th since moving from Syracuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sergio Scariolo</span> Italian basketball coach

Sergio Scariolo is an Italian professional basketball coach who is the head coach of the senior Spain national team. Scariolo latest coached also Virtus Bologna of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). Having won four EuroBasket championships and a World Cup at the head of Spain, Scariolo is one of the most successful coaches in the history of international competitions, and according to many players, journalists and commentators, he is regarded as the greatest national team coach of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boban Marjanović</span> Serbian basketball player (born 1988)

Boban Marjanović is a Serbian professional basketball player for Fenerbahçe Beko of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL) and the EuroLeague. He also plays for the Serbian national team in international competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joel Embiid</span> Cameroonian-American basketball player (born 1994)

Joel Hans Embiid is a Cameroonian-American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). After one year of college basketball with the Kansas Jayhawks, he was drafted third overall by the 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft. The 7-foot (2.13 m) Embiid is a seven-time NBA All-Star, a five-time member of the All-NBA Team, a three-time member of the All-Defensive Team, and a two- time NBA scoring champion. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2023. Embiid also won a gold medal on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willy Hernangómez</span> Spanish basketball player (born 1994)

Guillermo Gustavo "Willy" Hernangómez Geuer is a Spanish professional basketball player for FC Barcelona of the Spanish Liga ACB and the Euroleague. Standing at 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m), he plays at the center position.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juancho Hernangómez</span> Spanish basketball player (born 1995)

Juan Alberto "Juancho" Hernangómez Geuer is a Spanish professional basketball player for Panathinaikos of the Greek Basketball League (GBL) and the EuroLeague. He also represents the senior Spanish national team in international competition. He was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 15th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft and spent seven seasons in the NBA with clubs such as the Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Boston Celtics, the San Antonio Spurs, the Utah Jazz and the Toronto Raptors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 NBA draft</span> Basketball player selection

The 2020 NBA draft was held on November 18, 2020. The draft was originally scheduled to be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 25, but due to the ongoing at the time COVID-19 pandemic, it was instead conducted at ESPN's facilities in Bristol, Connecticut, with the event held via videoconferencing. National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting amateur United States college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players. It was televised nationally on ESPN. The draft lottery was originally scheduled to take place on May 19, 2020, but due in part to the 2020 NBA Bubble, it was rescheduled to take place on August 20, 2020, instead. This was the first draft since 1975 to not be held in June and was also the second to be done later than that month after the inaugural 1947 draft, which was conducted in July by the NBA's predecessor, the Basketball Association of America (BAA). This draft also featured the lack of a proper "green room" due to pandemic restrictions. The first pick was made by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who selected Anthony Edwards out of Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyrese Maxey</span> American basketball player (born 2000)

Tyrese Maxey is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats.

The 2021–22 Philadelphia 76ers season was the 73rd season for the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Jeremiah Zagar is an American filmmaker. He has directed the feature films We the Animals (2018) and Hustle (2022). The former was nominated for five categories at the 34th Independent Spirit Awards. He also directed the 2008 documentary In a Dream, which is about his father Isaiah Zagar.

References

  1. "Hustle Budget, Release Date, Star Cast, Story, Watch Online". news-gk.com. May 31, 2022. Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  2. "Hustle". www.metacritic.com. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  3. Hood, Cooper (June 8, 2022). "Hustle Cast & Character Guide". Screen Rant . Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  4. Kroll, Justin (May 18, 2020). "Adam Sandler to Star in Netflix Movie 'Hustle' From Producer LeBron James". Variety . Archived from the original on June 9, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  5. Kohn, Eric (June 8, 2022). "Why Adam Sandler Chased the Director of 'We the Animals' to Make Feel-Good Sports Movie 'Hustle'". Indiewire . Archived from the original on June 10, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  6. Clement, Nick (September 10, 2020). "Queen Latifah Talks About Her Family-Friendly Drama 'The Tiger Rising'". Variety . Archived from the original on June 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  7. N'Duka, Amanda (October 19, 2020). "Queen Latifah, Robert Duvall & Ben Foster Join Adam Sandler In Netflix Sports Movie 'Hustle'". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on February 3, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  8. Tanenbaum, Michael (October 14, 2020). "Adam Sandler buys guitars from Philly shop during filming of 'Hustle'". PhillyVoice. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  9. Hine, Chris (September 17, 2020). "Hernangomez away from Wolves as he shoots Adam Sandler movie". Star Tribune . Archived from the original on November 7, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  10. "Actor Adam Sandler Filming Netflix Movie 'Hustle' In Philadelphia". CBS Philadelphia . October 15, 2020. Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  11. "Adam Sandler will film scenes for new Netflix movie 'Hustle' in Coatesville High School". LNP . October 16, 2020. Archived from the original on June 12, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  12. Coleman, Julie (October 16, 2020). "Here's where Adam Sandler is hanging out while he films a movie in Philly. Filming continued in Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia as well. Sandler announced the movie wrapped on Oct 6". Philadelphia Inquirer . Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  13. Lawrence, Derek (October 19, 2020). "This is how he balls: See first look at Adam Sandler in Netflix's 'Hustle'". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  14. "Adam Sandler's 'Hustle' to Film in Camden NJ". www.newjerseynewsnetwork.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  15. 1 2 "Hustle". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  16. Frankel, Daniel (June 21, 2022). "Adam Sandler's 'Hustle' Posts Another Solid Week - Netflix Global Top 10". NextTV. Future plc. Archived from the original on August 24, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
  17. "Hustle". Metacritic . Fandom, Inc. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  18. Malhorta, Rahul (May 10, 2022). "Hustle Trailer Invites Adam Sandler to Dribble Into Dramatic Territory Once Again". Collider . Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  19. Stolworthy, Jacob (June 13, 2022). "Hustle: Adam Sandler has achieved impressive Rotten Tomatoes record with new Netflix movie". The Independent . Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022. some of the best reviews of his career to date.
  20. Travers, Peter (June 10, 2022). "Review: 'Hustle' radiates love for the game in every frame". ABC News . Archived from the original on August 22, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  21. Gleiberman, Owen (June 3, 2022). "'Hustle' Review: In His First Major Role Since 'Uncut Gems,' Adam Sandler Scores in a Rousing Basketball Drama". Variety . Archived from the original on August 23, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  22. Daniels, Robert (June 8, 2022). "Netflix's Hustle gives Adam Sandler his Jerry Maguire role". Polygon . Archived from the original on August 23, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  23. Metz, Nina (June 3, 2022). "'Hustle' review: Adam Sandler plays an NBA scout who's found his 6′ 9" underdog". Chicago Tribune . Archived from the original on August 23, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  24. 1 2 3 4 Piña, Christy (December 7, 2022). "People's Choice Awards: 'Doctor Strange 2,' 'Don't Worry Darling' Take Top Prizes". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  25. 1 2 3 "About". indianafilmjournalists.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  26. "'The Fabelmans' Leads AARP's Movies for Grownups Nominations". December 15, 2022. Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  27. "'Top Gun: Maverick' leads International Press Academy's 27th Satellite Awards nominations". AwardsWatch. December 8, 2022. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  28. "The 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards | Screen Actors Guild Awards". www.sagawards.org. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023.