In a twist of fate that sounds exactly like a poorly written Hollywood sitcom, Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson, two titans of theatrical and comedic charm, are gearing up to unleash their latest escapade, The Hustle, hitting theaters on May 10. Spoiler alert: it involves scam artistry and, quite possibly, questionable fashion choices.
Embodying the quintessential “too clever for their own good” archetypes, Hathaway (a lauded Oscar winner for Les Misérables) and Wilson (who made audiences swoon as Adelaide in London’s Guys and Dolls) take center stage as two audacious women bent on out-swindling each other while liberating money from the clutches of the most delightfully problematic men. One can only wonder how they managed to convince studio executives that this was a good idea—ah yes, a famous actress is involved; that’ll do it!
The film is the brainchild of Jac Schaeffer, the writer you didn’t know your life needed, and is directed by Chris Addison, who is likely contemplating a career in stand-up after this project. Drawing inspiration from the 1988 classic Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which was so beloved it was eventually turned into a musical in 2005, we can only hope this film retains the original’s flavor while adding a dollop of modern absurdity, much like a poorly executed renovation of a quaint coffee shop.
This musical version not only snagged a Tony nomination for Best Musical (because why not?) but also saw Norbert Leo Butz take home a trophy for his leading role, further proving that there’s always room for more award-winning but ill-advised decisions. With a score by the Tony-winning David Yazbek (who previously charmed audiences with The Band’s Visit and Tootsie), let’s just say if the screenplay doesn’t land, the soundtrack might help ease the pain.
And speaking of pain, watching the trailer above will usher you into a delightful realm filled with shady accents, extravagant wardrobes, and enough slapstick humor to make you wonder if you accidentally tuned into a cartoon. The first teaser was unveiled earlier this year, and judging by the raucous laughter it stirred, we can expect an animated ride through the world of swindlers.
As comedian and professional truth-bender, Wilson’s knack for satire shines through, particularly when it comes to navigating societal expectations and leech-like relationships. However, one must ask: is their con artistry simply a means to an end, or are we witnessing a reflective commentary on late capitalism and the ethical dilemma of who gets to keep the riches? Spoiler alert: it’s probably just a comedy.
In a world where everyone is trying to save a buck, perhaps watching The Hustle will remind us that while stealing might not be the answer, a good laugh can indeed help patch the gaping hole in your wallet. After all, the true hustle is convincing yourself that watching a movie about scams counts as financial education. Stay tuned, because this wild ride through betrayal and bling is just getting started!
