Hustle, produced by Adam Sandler and LeBron James, is a sports drama movie released on Netflix in June 2022. The movie portrays a scout, Stanley Sugerman, who travels around the world to find talented young players to join the Philadelphia 76ers. However, things take a wrong turn when he is fired from his job, but he still wants to fulfill his promise to a talented Spanish player. Hustle is an entertaining drama that accentuates the power of the sport over comedy, and showcases Adam Sandler’s remarkable acting skills.
Synopsis
Stanley Sugerman is an excellent scout talent for the Philadelphia 76ers, traveling all over the world to find the next big thing in basketball. However, this means he barely spends time with his family throughout the year. Although the 76ers’ owner, Rex Merrick, likes him, Rex’s son, Vincent, who is now in charge of the team, always disagrees with him. When Rex dies, Vincent takes over and demotes Stanley back to a scout role, forcing him to travel the world again in search of new talent.
In Spain, Stanley discovers a street basketball player named Bo Cruz, whom he brings to a scrimmage with the Spanish national team. Stanley sends his findings to Vincent, but they are rejected. However, Stanley remains committed to Bo and brings him to America unilaterally. At the airport, it is discovered that Bo has a criminal record. At the hotel where Stanley left Bo, the cost of food is too much, so Teresa, Stanley’s wife, gives him some food.
Stanley takes Bo to a basketball exhibition where he dazzles on the court until Kermit Wilts starts to heckle him, causing him to lose focus. Stanley resigns from the 76ers with emotions because Vincent refuses to recruit Bo. Stanley prepares Bo for the NBA Draft Combine, six weeks away. Stanley trains Bo physically and mentally, and improves his playing skills every day.
Vincent reveals Bo’s criminal record to the media, forcing him to withdraw from the event. Bo is mad at Stanley for lying to him, but they eventually reconcile after a heart-to-heart conversation about their pasts. With the help of Alex, Stanley’s daughter, they create a viral video challenge with Dr. J, a legendary basketball player. Bo eventually gains a spot in the Draft Combine, with his mother and daughter attending for support.
During the exhibition, Bo performs remarkably in the physical tests, but he is once again facing Kermit in a game. Initially not paying attention to Kermit’s taunts, Bo eventually gets emotional and attacks him when Kermit starts to target his mother and daughter. Bo is consequently removed from the game. As a result of Bo’s actions, Stanley cannot do anything else for Bo, and Bo returns to Spain with his family. Stanley and Bo say goodbye at the airport, but could there be some unexpected events for them? Keep watching the film to find out.
Conclusion
Hustle is an entertaining sports drama movie that highlights the power of sport and the human connections it can bring. The movie showcases the challenges and triumphs faced by one man in his pursuit of discovering the next big thing in basketball. With top-notch acting by Adam Sandler and appearances by NBA players, Hustle is an emotional rollercoaster that combines drama and sports in a unique way. So, if you’re a fan of basketball and sports drama, this is a must-watch movie.
