Two of Hollywood’s latest comedic sensations have teamed up for a modern retelling of *Dirty Rotten Scoundrels*, offering a twist that swaps the traditional male leads for a duo of feisty females. Sadly, while the film aims to deliver a powerful female-centric comedy, it stumbles a bit along the way. Still, don’t let my slight enthusiasm hold you back; *The Hustle* manages to be a fun ride, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. We’re introduced to the charming Penny Rust (Rebel Wilson), a small-time con artist who’s perfected the art of luring in unsuspecting gentlemen using a fake dating profile and a heart-wrenching tale about a non-existent sister. Talk about keeping your friends close and your fake stories closer!
When Penny finds herself needing to lay low, she crosses paths with the slick Josephine Chesterfield (Anne Hathaway), a woman whose con skills are as polished as her wardrobe. Josephine knows the key to a man’s heart—or at least his wallet: portray vulnerability. Unfortunately for her, Penny’s arrival means trouble for her cozy little hustle. After all, there’s only room for one grifter in this town, so they decide on a little wager; the first to out-swindle the other gets to stay while the loser must pack their bags. Who knew grifting could turn into a competitive sport?
Reviewing the Con: *The Hustle* (2019)
Sometimes, a film’s sole purpose is to entertain, and *The Hustle* fits that bill. But here’s where it gets tricky: while it does deliver some laughs, it also feels a tad undercooked. As a fan of con movies (yes, I’m still bitter about not getting to see it in theaters), I had high hopes. Alas, I avoided a big-screen disaster as I’d later realize it wasn’t as brilliant as I had imagined. The film kicks off with an endearing opening title sequence, reminiscent of yesteryears when such creativity was part of the deal, setting up a premise that’s serviceable but ultimately unremarkable.
Now, don’t get me wrong—*The Hustle* has its moments of hilarity. It’s an enjoyable experience, especially with Hathaway’s delightful performances—which we all recognize her from her not-so-sequel-worthy role in Disney’s *The Princess Diaries*. Meanwhile, Rebel Wilson continues to carve her niche in the comedic landscape, bringing a certain comfort to the screen. But let’s be real: at times, Josephine’s character feels akin to a grifter on caffeine—perhaps a bit too “aggressive” for the audience’s collective sanity, mostly when paired against Wilson’s antics. When the plot is flowing, it’s genuinely fun, but then it skids off-road into moments of sheer silliness that threaten to eject viewers from the narrative.
If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted weekend at home, *The Hustle* is a perfectly fine option. Despite my lukewarm review, it guarantees a few good chuckles and an intriguing enough concept buried within the script. With stunning backdrops and the eye-catching allure of Hathaway’s wardrobe, the visual appeal is definitely up to par. Overall, as long as the film elicits a few laughs, I must admit, I can overlook its gaping flaws—after all, a night filled with giggles is not to be scoffed at, right?
Photos: Universal Pictures
Content Note: Prepare yourself for an array of sexual innuendos, crude humor, and a sprinkle of profanity. Josephine’s seductive escapades push the PG-13 envelope just enough to keep you entertained without crossing too many lines—who says con artists can’t have some class?
