Inspired by a true story, we follow the lives and times of a group of exotic dancers in New York as they fight to survive. Unfortunately, survival gets surpassed and victims become the next song that they dance to.
Constance Wu stars as Destiny, a young woman dancing to pay the rent and keep herself and her grandma safe and well. Working hard, but taking very little profits home leaves her unsure of her future and life choices. That is until she meets Jennifer Lopez’s character ‘Ramona’, a fellow dancer that has been around the block and knows how to work clients and make big money. Quickly becoming close friends, Ramona takes Destiny under her wing and teaches her the tricks of the trade. Working together lets them reach new heights in earning as rich and influential men throw cash their way.
Thinking she’s found stability, Destiny enters into a relationship that soon has her leaving the life to take on other endeavors. All of which is great until the relationship sours and the choices she’s made become apparent and imminent. With few options, she returns to dancing, only to find out that the 2008 recession has hit everyone hard, including men that used to throw cash by the handfuls.
At the end of her rope, she runs into Ramona once again. The sisterhood is as strong as ever as the past is forgiven and problems are confronted. Her once teacher confirms the loss of opportunity and capital in dancing, but now has a new plan with a vision to reap massive benefits by crossing a small moral line.
Soon they work together to make a business out of drugging and fleecing Wall Street types that have money and credit to burn. With little to no objections they continue to move forward, leaving despair and financial destruction in their wake. Being successful, or the need for more, ultimately becomes their downfall as who they trust and who they target soon brings their empire in danger of collapse.
This movie is interesting to those looking to watch a film that was based on a true story. Much like most films based on exotic dancing, it uncovers a cruel and thoughtless world with every male trying to take away something from the female protagonists. From there, it delves into self empowerment and ultimately, justified crime. Constance and Jennifer both deliver great performances, though most people have just been commenting on Lopez’s appearance for her age. I liked the film, but didn’t love it as I had a couple moments of boredom. Perhaps I’ll look at the film again in the future, especially if awards consideration is something the filmmakers aim for later this year.
Grade: B-
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 1h 49m
Review
Rating
RN review of Hustlers
An interesting film that falls flat with its truth and lessons learned.