In the Netflix film “Hustle”, Adam Sandler, as a talent scout, discovers a promising basketball player and takes him under his wing. For NBA fans, however, the film is a must-see for another reason.
Year after year, many teams in the NBA dream of finally winning the title in the US professional basketball league (again). And all over the world, tall, sports-loving boys dream of making the leap into the NBA. Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler) is one of those charged with helping make both dreams a reality in the movie “Hustle.” He works as a talent scout for the Philadelphia 76ers and travels across the US and Europe to identify young talent for his team. Always looking for the next unknown player who can break through in the NBA out of nowhere – like Dirk Nowitzki once did.
An exhausting job for Sugerman, who would actually much rather work as an assistant coach. But the task as a scout also has its fascination: In Spain he discovered the streetball player Bo Cruz (played by NBA player Juancho Hernangómez) by accident – a young man with extraordinary abilities and skills, but also a difficult character. From then on, Sugerman does everything to accommodate his protégé in the NBA. He not only has to play the basketball coach, but also a father substitute for the 22-year-old Cruz and prevail against some resistance.
“Hustle” on Netflix: Feelgood movie with numerous NBA legends
The pattern of “Hustle” is familiar from some sports films: young guy from difficult background has huge talent, but stands in his own career path – until he finds someone who believes in him and invests in him. Then everything is possible, according to the message: Because to be successful, you not only need technique, speed and strength, but also the corresponding mental strength. “Hustle” rarely goes into depth, but it does offer some funny dialogues and thrilling basketball scenes – a typical feel-good movie.
The film is well received by the audience: Adam Sandler has often been smiled at, but he was a success as the main actor and producer with “Hustle”. The film received a 92 percent rating on the Rotten Tomatoes film rating platform. For basketball fans, “Hustle” should be a must for another reason: the film brings together almost everything that has rank and name in the NBA. Juancho Hernangómez (Utah Jazz) plays the second leading role, even if he embodies a rather taciturn young basketball player. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves acts as his unlikable counterpart.
But the list goes on: Dirk Nowitzki makes a brief appearance, as well as legends such as Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Steph Curry, Charles Barkley, Luca Doncic and many others. This is probably also due to the fact that none other than LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP, worked as a co-producer.
“Hustle” is available on Netflix.
