Produced by Sandler and Lebron James among others, Hustle features appearances by many current and past NBA players, coaches, and sports analysts. Sandler turns in another compelling and nuanced dramatic performance as Stanley Sugerman, a scout tasked with the nearly impossible assignment of discovering the next star player the team needs to compete for a championship. He does this while maintaining his easy-going charm, and while being supported by his strong but loving wife, played convincingly by Queen Latifah, and his daughter, an aspiring film-student, played by relative newcomer, Jordan Hull. The main antagonist, the 76ers’ top executive (Ben Foster), is a bit one-dimensional in his dislike of Sugerman and contrary views on player development, but otherwise the plot is solid and compelling. 

The NBA personalities mostly play themselves and are used sparingly, although former player and current analyst Kenny Smith is believable as a super-agent and Sugerman’s good friend, Leon Rich. But the film would not have worked without the credible performance of Juancho Hernangómez as Bo Cruz, the player Sugerman discovers in Spain and convinces to return with him to the US in hopes of entering him in the draft. Hernangómez is a professional basketball player, currently with the Utah Jazz, but he captures Cruz’s naivety and ultimately strong but untested character as a young, developing player. Also deserving of praise is Anthony Edwards, the 2020 first overall draft pick and star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who plays Kermit Wilts. While most of his dialogue is delivered in the context of on-court activities, his portrayal of a cocky, trash-talking player is convincing. You don’t have to be a basketball or even a sports fan to enjoy this film, but you will enjoy it all the more if you are. 

The picture quality of Hustle isn’t very memorable, but in a good way. It isn’t so over-the-top and eye-catching to draw unnecessary attention to itself, nor is it so poor that it distracts from the narrative. Presented in Dolby Vision, the visuals are sharp and detailed, although the color palette is a bit on the cool side and lacks some saturation. This suits the film, as it takes place mostly in grittier locations around Philadelphia such as training facilities or Sugerman’s middle-class neighborhood even though the film is about the big business of professional basketball. It’s not exactly Rocky-esque, even though it takes some cues from that film, but the subdued visual presentation is fitting.

Although it is presented in Dolby Atmos, there isn’t much use of the height or even the surround channels, but music is used effectively throughout, especially during the many exhilarating basketball sequences. When Sugerman first sees Cruz, hustling at a pickup game, some extremely catchy percussion from the score by contemporary composer Dan Deacon accompanies the insane baller action. There are also a lot of great rap songs and even some cool jazz featuring Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Outkast, Slick Rick, and the Miles Davis Quintet.

Hustle is a fine collaboration between Sandler and Netflix. It might not be as engrossing as the nail-biting Uncut Gems but it is a satisfying and uplifting film, showcasing genuine performances by Sandler and Hernangómez.