Is the Hustlers movie really worth all the hype?
By Sandy C.
Hustlers is gifting audiences with a fun and heartfelt story starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, but is the comedy-drama worth the hype and Oscar-buzz?
Assuming you are already aware of what Hustlers is about and have even already watched the movie in theaters (if not, you’re missing out), let’s get right to it: Is Hustlers worthy of an Oscar? Is the hype real and you should drop everything to go watch it immediately? Yes and no.
Now, I love Jennifer Lopez as much as the next fan. In fact, possibly more. I try to see all her movies, including the forgettable Second Act. But do I think her performance in Hustlers is truly Oscar-worthy? I have to be honest here, I don’t think so. Is this JLo’s best performance to date, though? Definitely so!
Lopez’s Ramona brings out all the feels in viewers, from empathy to feeling like a queen! Ramona reaches into our best and worst feelings about life, no matter what industry you have worked in or where you are in life. This is the work of a brilliant performer, and there’s no doubt Lopez is one of the most underrated actresses in the business.
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It’s a shame Lopez has not received many chances to stretch her acting chops to display her talents, but let’s hope Hustles is a step in the right direction. Lopez is coming for an Oscar, but Hustlers isn’t it. For starters, as wonderful as Lopez is in the movie, it’s Constance Wu who steals the show.
Wu’s performance is even more impactful than Lopez, and the journey we follow throughout the film. I dare say the two are more dynamic than Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. I said what I said! If anyone walks out of Hustlers with an Oscar-nom, it needs to be Wu. Still, I’m not convinced the movie deserves such high praises.
MORE: 10 moments in the Hustlers movie that really happened
Another thing I very much love about the movie, is how it never comes off as a simple “movie about strippers.” In fact, nudity is minimal and sex scenes are non-existent. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by this. Hustlers doesn’t need to do any of this to prove its point. The movie is written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, so, enough said! Can we get more women directors in the business, please?
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Hustlers simply didn’t give me more than several laughs and a good time with my BFF at the movies. It never reached into my soul and had me thinking about the events long after walking out of the theater, such as Jordan Peele’s Us, Alita: Battle Angel, The Farewell, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood did, for example.
In the end, at least in my humble opinion, Hustlers is an incredibly amazing time and perfect girls night movie that’ll give you a confidence boost and leave you feeling ready to take on the world. It’s worth all the hype, but Oscar-buzz? Not so much.
Hustlers is now playing in theaters everywhere.
What’s your opinion, though? Do you think the movie and JLo will snag an Oscar-nom? Sound off in the comments!