Hustle is a 2022 sports drama film directed by Jeremiah Zagar, starring Adam Sandler in the lead role. The film focuses on the relationship between a long-time basketball scout and a young player he discovers in Spain, as the scout seeks to reshape his career and dreams.

Plot

The film tells the story of Stanley Sugerman, a basketball scout working for the Philadelphia 76ers. While searching for talent abroad, Stanley discovers Bo Cruz, a young and talented street basketball player outside Madrid. Despite being fired, Stanley recognizes Bo’s extraordinary potential and fights to bring him to the U.S. and prepare him for the NBA. Their efforts to open a new chapter in both their careers and lives form the core narrative of the film.

^{Hustle Official Trailer (Youtube)}

Theme

Hustle explores themes such as perseverance, second chances, the challenging path to success, and believing in one's own potential. The film highlights the competitive nature of the sports world, personal struggle, and the mentor-mentee relationship. It also emphasizes human themes such as family bonds, personal transformation, and friendship.

Cast and Characters

• Adam Sandler → Stanley Sugerman: The Philadelphia 76ers scout, main character.
• Queen Latifah → Teresa Sugerman: Stanley’s wife and supportive partner.
• Ben Foster → Vince Merrick: One of the film’s supporting characters.
• Robert Duvall → Rex Merrick: A senior executive of the team Stanley works for.
• Maria Botto → Paola Cruz: A member of Bo Cruz’s family.
• Raul Castillo → Oscar Morales: Supporting character.
• Heidi Gardner → Kat Merrick: Supporting character.
• Jaleel White → Blake: Supporting character.

Awards and Nominations

• Satellite Awards (2023)
• Nominee: Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical (Adam Sandler)
• People’s Choice Awards, USA (2022)
• Nominee: The Female Movie Star of 2022 (Queen Latifah)
• Nominee: The Comedy Movie of 2022
• Winner: The Comedy Movie Star of 2022 (Adam Sandler)
• Nominee: The Comedy Movie Star of 2022 (Queen Latifah)
• Screen Actors Guild Awards (2023)
• Nominee: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (Adam Sandler)
• Indiana Film Journalists Association Awards (2022)
• Nominee: Best Lead Performance (Adam Sandler)
• Nominee: Best Musical Score (Dan Deacon)
• Nominee: Best Editing (Tom Costain, Brian Robinson, Keiko Deguchi)
• AARP Movies for Grownups Awards (2023)
• Nominee: Best Actor (Adam Sandler)

Significance of the Film

Hustle holds a place among sports films, particularly those centered on basketball. It reflects the challenges of the real sports world, the scouting process, and the personal transformations individuals undergo in that journey. The determination of Adam Sandler’s character and his connection with the young Spanish player Bo Cruz place the film within the framework of a classic success story. Beyond sports, Hustle delivers a narrative about human relationships, chasing dreams, and the importance of not giving up. It is also a notable performance by Adam Sandler in the drama genre.