Cons don’t get much sexier than they are in Hustlers. Women flaunt their stuff to earn their living, but the film succeeds at placing a mature and mindful magnifying glass on the reality of what really fuels this particular industry.

In Hustlers, Destiny, played by Constance Wu, recounts the escalating scandals that her and fellow “dancers” perpetrated against wealthy men to make ends meet. She tells how the group’s ringleader, Ramona played by Jennifer Lopez, pushes the scams into riskier and riskier territory until things eventually take a turn for the worse.

Hustlers is a strategic cross between Magic Mike and Oceans 8, blending the indie-oriented tone and “flashy” showmanship of Magic Mike with the flare and sophistication of the leading ladies in Ocean’s 8. But Hustlers uses its platform to make important and relevant points about current social issues in a believable way.

The entertainment value of the film, though, lives in the cast…namely Jennifer Lopez, who’s spectacular at lighting up the stage with smooth moves and lighting up every scene with her special charm and distinct personality. That combined with a compelling performance from Constance Wu anchors the story in a way that is immensely captivating. And though their roles are minimal, pop stars Cardi B and Lizzo demonstrate they can fit in, yet stand out.

Unfortunately, the movie resolves in a fairly anticlimactic manner, which might seem unsatisfying to most. But in a way, it makes sense. The point, after all, is to leave patrons wanting more.

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 1 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference - 2 | What does this mean?