As the new NBA season tips off, it’s the perfect time to dive into Hustle, a sports drama that blends heart, humour, and a dash of real basketball grit. Released in 2022 on Netflix and directed by Jeremiah Zagar, Hustle stars Adam Sandler in one of his most surprising and refreshing roles yet. Forget his usual slapstick persona—here, Sandler plays it real, raw, and relatable, delivering a performance that’s as inspiring as it is grounded.
Why is this the ultimate pick for our Friday Night Movies series? Well, beyond the obvious appeal for basketball fans, Hustle tells a story of perseverance, ambition, and redemption. And it’s not just about the game; it’s about life off the court too, with themes of family, self-worth, and mentorship taking centre stage. Plus, with an impressive roster of NBA stars making cameos, it’s a win-win for both casual viewers and hardcore basketball fans.
Plot
At the heart of Hustle is Stanley Sugerman, a long-suffering scout for the Philadelphia 76ers, played by Adam Sandler. Stanley’s life on the road is a grind, filled with endless hotel rooms, junk food, and scouting hopefuls that rarely live up to the hype. He’s desperate for a shot at coaching, but his path is derailed when a family tragedy brings him back to scouting duties.
While in Spain, Stanley stumbles upon Bo Cruz (Juancho Hernangómez), a streetball prodigy with incredible raw talent and a troubled past. Despite Bo’s potential, he’s overlooked by other scouts because of his unconventional background. Stanley, convinced that Bo has what it takes to make it in the NBA, stakes his entire career on getting him drafted. What follows is a high-stakes journey full of personal struggles, gruelling training sessions, and emotional breakthroughs as Stanley and Bo fight against the odds—both on and off the court.
The story doesn’t shy away from the realities of the sports industry: the cutthroat decisions, the physical toll, and the sacrifices made along the way. But it’s also a tale of second chances, as both Stanley and Bo work to overcome their pasts and prove they’re more than just a product of their circumstances.
Cast
Adam Sandler takes the lead as Stanley Sugerman, and his portrayal is a standout. He brings a level of acting to his character that feels miles away from his usual comedic roles. Sandler’s Stanley is weathered but determined, and his chemistry with co-star Juancho Hernangómez elevates the story’s emotional core.
Speaking of Hernangómez, the real-life NBA player makes a solid acting debut as Bo Cruz, capturing the character’s raw talent and emotion.
Queen Latifah plays Teresa Sugerman, Stanley’s supportive wife, adding another layer to the personal stakes of Stanley’s journey. Ben Foster delivers a strong performance as Vince Merrick, the ambitious executive whose decisions push Stanley’s back against the wall. The film is also filled with appearances from NBA stars like Anthony Edwards and coach Doc Rivers, adding to its real-world basketball credibility.
Trailer
Reviews
Hustle has earned strong praise from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a commendable 93% critics score, with many applauding Sandler’s understated performance. Critics have praised it for offering more than just a standard sports drama, highlighting its authentic portrayal of the basketball world and the emotionally resonant performances of its leads.
IMDB rates the film at 7.3/10 — viewers have noted how the film captures the grind of the NBA scouting process, alongside the personal stakes that make Hustle stand out from other sports films.
How To Watch Hustle
Until next week lace up your sneakers and get ready for a Friday night filled with heart, hustle, and hoops.
