Hustling the Hustlers: Movie Review
Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, and many more, team up for a modern Robin Hood story in the movie Hustlers. Hustlers are told through the voice of Destiny (Wu) who works as a stripper to support her family. Destiny's life takes a turn when she meets Ramona (JLo)—Romana is the club's number one money maker and takes Destiny under her wing. In 2008, the economy takes a hit, and the girls must devise a plan to make money. Though it may be perfect for the big screen, Hustlers is based on a true story. Ramona's character is based on Samantha Barbash (or Samantha Foxx) and Roselyn Keo is the IRL Destiny. The full story, told by Jessica Pressler through The Cut, recants the tale in a witty, charming, almost romanticized way that is well worth the read.
Hustlers casting, cinematography, and screenplay were all spot on. The movie was impeccably cast, not one character was off, and this helped the overall essence of the story come to life. Jennifer Lopez was fabulous as Romana—emulating unbelievable magnetic ease for her character, she makes you wish she was your friend (despite the whole drugging random guys for the money part, you know?). We fell in love with Constance Wu in Crazy Rich Asians and the love affair continued throughout Hustlers. By matching JLo's confidence, yet adding a bit of innocence and common sense to her actions, Wu nailed Destiny's character. With the incorporation of surprise cameos by various stars, director Lorene Scafaria made the club all the more exciting, allowing the viewer to feel the confidence and personas of the girls working there. By creating such amazing characters, Scafaria desensitizes the audience to the fact that these women are Joanne the Scammer on steroids—yes, these are strippers conning people out of thousands of dollars, but we also kinda want to hang with them. This allows the breaking down of stereotypes that strippers hold by showing their personalities and also gives people a look into their lives (yes, surprise, strippers are real people, too!).
Overall the movie was amazing, though we must warn you that it is a touch slow. The glitz of the club eventually wears off, and viewers are left with the raw story of what was happening (people tend to get greedy). This emphasizes Destiny's character arc throughout the film by reflecting how she was feeling towards the end of everything—bored and anxious for something to happen. To say we were itching to leave the theater is a stretch, but the movie did feel like it could have been told in a quicker time frame for the same effect.
Hustlers delivered on everything it said it would while also commentating on modern feminism. If you've already seen the movie, reading this for fun, or just can't get enough of JLo like us, check out this video which depicts how JLo prepared for her role as Romana. For a super in-depth review for all the movie lovers out there, check out this article, or for more current drama relating to the story, check this out. If you haven't seen the movie, don't let "the want of wanting" to see it kill you—it's definitely worth the watch.
Strike Out,
Writer: Emily Waters
Editor: Gillian McKendree and Savannah Tindall
Tallahassee