‘Hustlers’ Sells Out Movie Theaters, But Didn’t Sell An Interesting Plot [REVIEW]

Weeks before the theatrical debut, buzz was generating for “Hustlers” starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. The Lorene Scafaria directed and adapted screenplay was inspired by the 2015 New York Magazine The Hustlers at Scores article by Jessica Pressler which told the story of a group of exotic dancers in New York City who scammed their clients out of money by any means necessary.

The film version places Lopez as Ramona, the matriarch of the ladies who sets the scheme in motion to get what is owned to her and her dancer friends by their Wall Street clients. Along with Wu; Lili Reinhart, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer and music’s current hottest artists Cardi B and Lizzo were highlighted as the ensemble cast. I debated if I even wanted to see “Hustlers” because I wasn’t impressed by the trailer. It didn’t seem interesting, but curiosity, and $6 Tuesdays at AMC, got the best of me so I saw the film this week. I must say I wasn’t missing a thing!

Photo: STXfilms

Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu
Lopez was heavily promoted to be the leading lady of “Hustlers,” but viewing the film Constance Wu was very much the star of the film. Not to say that her performance outshines anyone because everyone was on the same playing field, but the story was told through Wu’s character’s (Destiny) perspective. The two did play off well against each other but I didn’t see the Oscar buzz critics and early viewers of the film were saying. Many people were throwing around comparisons to “Goodfellas” and it needs to be stopped! “Hustlers” was NO WHERE on that level.

Another element of Lopez’ performance that was boasted about was her opening dance number to Fiona Apple’s “Criminal.” While JLo looked great and I for sure can’t move like that on a pole, people must have never been to an urban strip club and saw a dancer in person because Jennifer’s moves were PG compared to what is truly memorizing. Maybe because it was JLo that made viewers freak out, but it wasn’t that mind bending or memorable. I honestly feel JLo would have been better in the “mom” role of the film. Not because of her age, but I feel she would have been more convincing in that aspect.

Photo: STXfilms

The Ensemble Cast
Lizzo and Cardi B were really not needed in the film. They clearly were just used to get buzz around the project and attract their fans to the film. Their roles did nothing to add to the film and I don’t remember them especially Lizzo. Lili Reinhart, Julia Stiles, and Keke Palmer had their moments, but as a cast I wasn’t feeling it. Not too much more to say. There were no stand out moments.

Lackluster Story
The story of Ramona, Destiny, and the other girls is obviously something that is already known. There were no surprises or twist endings. I wish I could say something good about this film, but I can’t. I wasn’t entertained at all. The timeline was easy to follow but wasn’t cohesive. The acting wasn’t nothing to rave over and I’ve never been happier to walk out of a movie theater by credit roll.

I give “Hustlers” one Glambergirlblog kiss 💋.

Did you check out “Hustlers” yet? What did you think about the film? Did it live up to the hype for you? Share your thoughts in the comments. Watch the latest trailer for the film in the clip below.

Follow Glambergirlblog.com on Twitter and Instagram @Glambergirlblog

Photo: STXfilms