Stanley Sugarman (Adam Sandler) is an ex-pro basketball player turned scout. Having worked for the Philadelphia 76ers for the past thirty years he has the utmost support and respect of owner Rex Merrick (Robert Duvall) who is finally rewarding him with an assistant coach position. That is until Rex sadly passes away leaving his son Vince (Ben Foster) in charge. Vince of course promptly sends Sugarman straight back on the road demanding he find a talent that will make the team. 

Whilst in Spain, Sugarman spots street basketball player Bo Cruz (Juancho Hernangomez) who looks like the prospect of the century. Ignoring Vince’s orders he brings him back to the US and places his career and savings on the prospect. 

Hustle is a fantastic sports movie that follows the story archetypes and tropes to the letter. But the way that it executes them is exactly as it should be. Sugarman loves the game. Always has and always will. He made a mistake that resulted in him throwing it all away and Bo Cruz is his ‘Jerry Maguire’ moment. Can he do right by this single father who has previously made mistakes in his life and make his dream come true? Can passion and hard work overcome? 

The film has two beating hearts that give it its passion; family and sport. Sugarman has been on the road a long time and wants to spend more time with his wife and daughter (Queen Latifah and Jordan Hull both playing supportive and loving family members). Whilst Bo has to travel away from his daughter for the first time ever and misses them dearly whilst also hoping this will give her a better life. Otherwise they of course both have a passion for the game. 

The camera work employed during the sports scenes drops you straight into the game and keeps it visceral and exiting. The sheer volume of professional athletes involved keeps the skills on display at a high level and the montage scenes are worthy of a Rocky movie, something that they give a nod to in one particular moment given they are In Philadelphia. In fact the montage scenes will give you a fascinating insight to the skill level required to be a professional basketball player and it’s quite exceptional. 

It seems churlish to keep saying this but Adam Sandler can really act and this is one of his serious turns. He does a great job alongside Juancho Hernangomez who is in his first acting role ever and does a superb job. As an ex NBA player he has the ball skills but he does a great job alongside Sandler. 

If you like sports movies or basketball you are in for a treat. But it’s a worthwhile watch for anyone looking for a redemption story with heart.