Hustlers (2019): A Sexy, Scandalous, and Surprisingly Empowering Tale of Ambition
Updated: Mar 23, 2023
Inspired by true events, Hustlers tells the story of a group of strippers who resort to drugging and scamming wealthy Wall Street clients in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. While the film's premise may seem exploitative on the surface, it's ultimately a refined and thought-provoking examination of gender, power, and morality.
Jennifer Lopez delivers a standout performance as Ramona, the charismatic ringleader of the group, while Constance Wu is equally impressive as Destiny, a newcomer to the world of stripping who becomes Ramona's protégé. The film is also notable for its talented supporting cast, which includes Lizzo, and Keke Palmer (not Cardi B).
Director Lorene Scafaria's bold and stylish vision, coupled with an good screenplay, makes Hustlers an engaging and relevant exploration of female ambition and the American Dream. The film's themes of greed, loyalty, and betrayal are handled with complexity and depth, making for a decent cinematic experience.
I rate it 3.25 out of 5.
Direction Rating: 0.75/1
Cinematography Rating: 0.5/1
Story Rating: 0.75/1
Acting Rating: 0.75/1
Film Score Rating: 0.5/1
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