Hustlers Movie Review : JLo shines in this dull crime drama

Hustlers Review: In 2007, Dorothy (Constance Wu) is a bit lost when she joins a strip club in New York City. Most girls aren't exactly welcoming, and she isn't familiar with pole-spinning moves. But that changes when she meets Ramona (Jennifer Lopez) who takes her under her wing. They become inseparable and make a good amount of money until the recession in 2008 changes their fortunes. Dorothy leaves dancing when she has a baby and soon ends up struggling. She decides to go back to dancing but sees how the market crash has changed her profession. When she meets Ramona again, they realise they need to bend some rules to earn the lifestyle they want for their loved ones. Along with two new dancers Mercedes (Keke Palmer) and Annabelle (Lili Reinhart), they come up with an illegal way to target their Wall Street clients.

Based on a true story, the film captures the struggles of these dancers and how they scheme their way to make ends meet. Constance Wu as Dorothy, aka Destiny, and Jennifer Lopez as Ramona, make a formidable pair. The story unfolds from Dorothy’s perspective in flashbacks, showing us how the duo went about their elaborate arrangement. Constance Wu isn’t as stirring as the lead role demands, but Jennifer Lopez gives one of her most memorable performances as the impeccably preserved ringleader Ramona. Despite the differences in their performances, their mentor-protégé friendship makes the most intriguing aspect of the film. The rest of the cast is barely serviceable, with most roles easily replaceable, especially the rich men who get scammed.

This film isn’t about the victims, though. It’s refreshing to see little to no moral policing about the strippers and why they need to do what they do. If there’s any judgement, it’s directed towards the men – the wolves of Wall Street, who, as Ramona reasons, deserved to have their money stolen. Director Lorene Scafaria approaches ‘Hustlers’ like a gender-reversed mobster heist, complete with elaborate montages. However, the narrative tends to get repetitive, to the point of being excessive. This affects the pacing and tonality, which aren’t as focused as they need to be. Despite the best efforts of Lopez, there’s a lot of glamour but not enough depth required to make this a memorable film. Still, it may just be enough for a night out.

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................