Plucky Con Artists and Streaming Service Shenanigans
In the grand cinematic summer of blockbusters, where giants like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Toy Story 4” towered over the landscape, The Hustle slipped past our radar like a stealthy con artist. But now, with it available for streaming on Hulu, it beckons you from the depths of the couch—just don’t dust off those remote controls too vigorously!
Picture this: a gender-swapped remake of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” which itself was inspired by “Bedtime Story.” You might be wondering how many layers of deception this movie can hold—like a good onion! Directed by Chris Addison and co-written by Jac Schaeffer, it’s a delightful concoction featuring Anne Hathaway as the acerbic con artist Josephine Chesterfield and Rebel Wilson serving up a side of chaos as the clumsy Penny Rust. Together, they plot to fleece a billionaire because, quite frankly, who else is there to turn to for cash these days?
Comedy Gold or Fool’s Gold?
United Artists Releasing
The critics’ rating of 13% on Rotten Tomatoes might lead you to believe this is akin to a failed experiment in a comic lab gone awry, but wait! Audiences were a tad more forgiving, with a respectable 43% claiming they actually enjoyed it. Why, you ask? It all hinges on the peculiar chemistry between Hathaway’s sophisticated allure and Wilson’s unapologetic slapstick. Much like a culinary dish gone wrong, it’s unpredictable and definitely a matter of taste!
Oh, the irony! “The Hustle” found itself snubbed at the People’s Choice Awards for “Best Comedy,” yet both leads were nominated for “Worst Actress” at the Golden Raspberries. Clearly, this film is the culinary equivalent of a sturdy bread—enough to fill your belly, but not exactly Michelin star material.
At a bite-sized hour and a half, it won’t rob you of your entire evening. One can only wonder if diving into this caper might just make you giggle in a crowded theater—or in the privacy of your living room, maybe while wearing pajamas. “The Hustle” is currently steaming its way into the spotlight on Hulu, Sling TV, Epix, and Paramount+. So, what’s stopping you? Step into the world of dubious morals, questionable ethics, and laughs—the membership fees are easier to handle than the pain of Netflix scrolling!
