Hustle (2022 film)

Hustle
Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	2022; 4 years ago
Founder	Jeremiah Zagar (director), Taylor Materne and Will Fetters (writers), Adam Sandler (producer and star)
Key people	Jeremiah Zagar (director), Adam Sandler (producer and star), LeBron James (producer, SpringHill Company)
Products	Sports comedy-drama film
Parent	Netflix (distributor)

Hustle is a 2022 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Jeremiah Zagar and penned by Taylor Materne alongside Will Fetters. The movie is co-produced by and stars Adam Sandler, who portrays a struggling National Basketball Association (NBA) scout discovering an unpolished basketball prospect in Spain (Juancho Hernangómez) and striving to prepare him for the NBA draft. The ensemble cast features Queen Latifah, Ben Foster, Robert Duvall, Heidi Gardner, as well as NBA athlete Anthony Edwards. The project was produced under the guidance of LeBron James through his company, SpringHill Company.

Hustle had its initial release in select theaters on June 3, 2022, before becoming available on Netflix on June 8. The film garnered favorable reviews, with particular praise directed at Sandler’s portrayal, which earned him his inaugural nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Plot

Stanley Sugerman is a weary international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers who spends considerable time abroad searching for emerging talent, often at the expense of his family life. Although he enjoys a positive relationship with team owner Rex Merrick, Stanley frequently clashes with Rex’s son Vincent. Following a promotion to assistant coach by Rex, Stanley faces a setback when Rex passes away; Vincent demotes him back to scouting duties and assigns him overseas. Motivated by advice from former teammate Leon Rich to pursue a career as a player agent, Stanley embarks on a scouting mission to Spain where he uncovers Bo Cruz, an undiscovered basketball talent.

Bo, an adept player who remained in Spain due to familial obligations, impresses Stanley during a local match and training session with the Spanish national team. Despite Stanley’s strong recommendation that the 76ers sign Bo, Vincent remains skeptical. Taking matters into his own hands, Stanley brings Bo to the United States, assuring him of either a contract with the Sixers or entry into the NBA draft. However, Bo faces potential deportation because of an aggravated assault conviction incurred in Spain.

At a showcase event organized by Leon, Bo competes against top prospects such as Kermit Wilts but struggles under intense pressure and verbal taunts. When Vincent decides not to pursue Bo further, Stanley resigns from the Sixers to dedicate himself to training Bo for the NBA Draft Combine. With encouragement from his family and Leon, Stanley supports Bo’s mental and physical development despite challenges including Vincent disseminating negative information about Bo’s past.

Bo discloses that his assault charge originated from defending custody rights involving his daughter. Stanley confides in Bo about his own troubled history involving a college drunk driving incident. Rebuilding their mutual trust, they persist in their efforts though gaining acceptance into the combine remains difficult. To generate attention, they collaborate with Julius Erving on a viral "Boa Challenge" video featuring Sixers player Tobias Harris. Eventually accepted into the combine, Bo excels in physical tests but loses focus during an exhibition game against Wilts after being provoked with personal insults.

Just when their attempts appear fruitless, Bo receives an invitation to a private game attended by players and front office executives where he outperforms Wilts without pressure. Kat, Rex’s daughter, replaces Vincent as owner of the Sixers and reinstates Stanley. Five months later, Stanley serves as assistant coach of the Sixers while Bo plays for the Boston Celtics in a high-profile matchup.

Cast

Adam Sandler portrays Stanley Sugerman, a scout and coach for the 76ers
Juancho Hernangómez plays Bo Cruz, a basketball prospect from Spain recruited by Stanley
- Silas Graham appears as the younger version of Bo Cruz
Queen Latifah takes on the role of Teresa Sugerman, Stanley’s spouse
Ben Foster is cast as Vince Merrick, co-owner of the 76ers and son of Rex
Robert Duvall embodies Rex Merrick, the owner of the 76ers
Jordan Hull plays Alex Sugerman, Stanley’s daughter
Heidi Gardner portrays Kat Merrick, daughter of Rex Merrick
María Botto appears as Paola Cruz, Bo’s mother
Ainhoa Pillet acts as Lucia Cruz, the daughter of Bo
Anthony Edwards features as Kermit Wilts, Bo’s competitor on the court
Kenny Smith plays Leon Rich, a sports agent and friend to Stanley
Jaleel White appears as Blake
Jerry Lobrow is cast as a Sports Agent

Longtime Villanova head coach Jay Wright, along with numerous current and former NBA players and coaches, appear either as themselves or in character roles. Prominent figures include 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, and Doc Rivers. Streetball icons such as Grayson "The Professor" Boucher, Larry "Bone Collector" Williams, and Waliyy "Main Event" Dixon also make appearances. Members of the Spanish national team Felipe Reyes, Pierre Oriola, and Juancho's brother Willy Hernangómez are featured as well. Additionally, Philadelphia journalist Anthony Gargano and rapper Tierra Whack have cameo roles.

Production

In February 2018, Legendary Entertainment secured Taylor Materne’s screenplay after a competitive six-figure bidding process, with Dave Meyers initially set to direct.

By May 2020, Adam Sandler had joined the project; Jeremiah Zagar replaced Meyers in the director’s chair, and Netflix acquired distribution rights from Legendary. Sandler was inspired to collaborate with Zagar after watching his debut film We the Animals and encouraged him to helm Hustle, attracted by the opportunity to tell a basketball story cinematically.

Queen Latifah became part of the cast in September 2020. The following month saw the addition of Robert Duvall, Ben Foster, Juancho Hernangómez, Jordan Hull, María Botto, Ainhoa Pillet, Kenny Smith, and Kyle Lowry.

Principal photography commenced in Philadelphia in October 2020 at various sites including Coatesville Area High School; La Salle University’s Tom Gola Arena (used for combine scenes); Temple University’s Liacouras Center (for college basketball sequences); Market Street; Italian Market; Manayunk; and South Philadelphia. Filming also took place in Camden, New Jersey, and at the Wells Fargo Center during a live Celtics versus 76ers NBA game on January 14, 2022.

Audience viewership

Hustle premiered in select cinemas on June 3, 2022, before its worldwide launch on Netflix on June 8. Netflix announced it was their most-watched film from June 8 through June 19.

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie boasts a 94% approval rating derived from 174 critiques, with an average rating of 7.2/10. This achievement positions it as the top-rated film produced by Happy Madison Productions on the platform. The site's consensus remarks, "Hustle may lack elaborate flair, but Adam Sandler's relatable charm turns this straightforward story into an enjoyable experience." Additionally, it earned a score of 68 on Metacritic.

Sandler's acting drew significant acclaim, with reviewers noting his shift away from his usual comedic roles toward a sincere depiction of a basketball scout. For example, Peter Travers from ABC News described the film as "a slam dunk," applauding Sandler's heartfelt enthusiasm for basketball. Owen Gleiberman of Variety highlighted Sandler's portrayal of "inner sadness" coupled with determination, while Polygon praised his "remarkable, often surprising intimacy," though it expressed reservations about the depth of character development.

In contrast, Nina Metz of the Chicago Tribune criticized the screenplay for its lack of well-defined characters, suggesting the film features people who "occasionally say things" rather than fully developed individuals.

Accolades


Award	Date of ceremony	Category	Recipient(s)	Result
People's Choice Awards	December 6, 2022	The Comedy Movie of 2022	Hustle	Template:Nominated
		The Comedy Movie Star of 2022	Adam Sandler	Template:Win
		The Comedy Movie Star of 2022	Queen Latifah	Template:Nominated
		The Female Movie Star of 2022	Queen Latifah	Template:Nominated
Indiana Film Journalists Association	December 19, 2022	Best Lead Performance	Adam Sandler	Template:Nominated
		Best Musical Score	Dan Deacon	Template:Nominated
		Best Editing	Tom Costain, Brian M. Robinson, Keiko Deguchi	Template:Nominated
AARP Movies for Grownups Awards	January 28, 2023	Best Actor	Adam Sandler	Template:Nominated
Satellite Awards	February 11, 2023	Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical	Adam Sandler	Template:Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards	February 26, 2023	Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role	Adam Sandler	Template:Nominated

External links