With: Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Ben Foster, Juancho Hernangómez, Robert Duvall, Anthony Edwards, Heidi Gardner
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Written by: Taylor Materne, Will Fetters
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Directed by: Jeremiah Zagar
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MPAA Rating: R for language
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Running Time: 117
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Date: 06/08/2022
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Hoop Dog
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
Adam Sandler had one of his best recent roles in Uncut Gems, an anxious, jittery, Jengo-tower of a performance that left you wrung out. He maintains that level of quality in the excellent Hustle, but, thankfully at a much more relaxed pace. In a film that incorporates Sandler's lifelong love of basketball, he plays Stanley Sugerman, a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers, who has been on the road too long, eating too much junk food, and missing out on life with his wife (Queen Latifah) and teen daughter (Jordan Hull). At long last, the team owner, Rex Merrick (Robert Duvall), gives Stanley his shot with an assistant coach position. Unfortunately, Rex suddenly dies, leaving the team in the hands of his ruthless son, Vince (Ben Foster), who sends Stanley back out on the road. In Spain, Stanley meets the raw, young Bo Cruz (Juancho Hernangómez), who may just be his ticket back. Hustle is an unapologetically old-fashioned sports drama, but given a dose of organic life that keeps it feeling constantly fresh. Look for a spate of real-life NBA stars, including Seth Curry, Julius Irving, and Charles Barkley.
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