So I finally watched Hustlers…

After anticipating and waiting years for it to be on streaming services, I finally watched the movie Hustlers on Hulu.

Before we get into it… I have to say that any movie that starts and ends with music by Janet Jackson already earns a star in my book just for that alone.

This lustful yet eye-opening movie about a world of strippers turned crime mob was not something I could explain to my parents why I wanted to see it back in 2019. Just from the trailers, you knew that this movie was raunchy, raw, and explicit. It was just that, but not just in the XXX way one might think. Yet, for me, I knew it had something deeper underneath. I don’t remember much about the interviews behind the film, but I found out it was based on a true story. With that being said, I knew I wanted to see what was the story.

For those that know me, you may wonder why I would even spend my time watching something like Hustlers considering the topics it explored. Well, if anything, it was the story. It reminded me of when Cardi B admitted to drugging men and robbing them of their money. When that story came out I was disgusted, because I’m like “Why?” But once I saw that this was not just her but many other people (not just strippers and not just women) doing this as well, the journalist in me again asked why, but with a purpose behind it. Plus, the trailer was giving Netflix crime story/documentary vibes which meant I had to watch sooner or later.

Beyond just the story, this CAST. Whew! Now it’s obvious that this isn’t the most prestigious award-winning cast, but after this movie, I wish more accolades would have come their way. Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Keke Palmer, and Lilli Reinhart all stretched this film from what could have been a familiar “rags to riches” crime story to a heartfelt story of what happens when those who once had no power decide to create their own by breaking the law.

As I write this, I’m not here to critique the movie on what they got correct or what happened IRL, because honestly? I know nothing. Nor am I here to condone or condemn what the real-life hustlers did to their male victims. However, I do want to take a look at my favorite parts of this film and give my personal rating of it.

Destiny + Ramona = BFFs Forever ❤

Y’all, I love a good friendship in a movie — even when it doesn’t end on the best of terms. Usually, when I watch movies where there are best friends with a plan, I can’t help but think that one of them has a secret agenda that may be at the expense of the other friend. Yet, as I watched this movie, I could tell that they all have the same agenda… Get Money At All Costs.

Of course, this isn’t the most positive message, and I wouldn’t show this to young people as an after-school special on friendship. However, as a grown woman, watching these two women care for each other and each other’s kids through all the ups and downs showed me that consistent care keeps the connection. *spoiler* Even at the end of the movie when they had gone separate ways, and Destiny thought Ramona was done with her, she still kept the photo of Destiny and spoke about her in words that showcased nothing but love and care. Even when the friendship was over, it was the care that kept the love alive.

Keke Palmer and the cast’s Incredible Comedic Timing

Y’all know in this house, we will forever stan Keke Palmer. She has been an important part of my entertainment choices since I was a preteen. To see her in a movie like this was questionable at first, but she handled it very well. Her role may have been just another sidekick, but she stole the show with her comedic timing and that hilarious run while in heels when trying to get away from taking one of their victims to the hospital.

Not only Keke, but the entire cast both gave incredible performances that kept me laughing all the way through. *spoiler*From Constance Wu’s fake crying about her “husband” to get out of answering questions to Lilli’s terrible vomiting. All of it took this seriously raunchy film down a few levels to make us laugh at the most awkward times.

The Editing + Music

As I said at the top of this post, the Janet Jackson music kept me excited from the beginning to the very end. Throughout the movie, every song played fits perfectly for the situations and dance numbers. Not only were the music choices on point, but I was genuinely interested in the way this film was shot and edited. The cinematography was beautifully curated in every scene, but especially during their arrest. It made you feel like you were right along with each of the women as they were being taken in by the cops.

Although this movie was shot and edited in a short amount of time, they had the right people for the jobs. Jason Markey was the music supervisor, while Todd Banhazl was the cinematographer. I am also extremely thankful that none of the musical superstars in the film music was featured (other than Usher who played… Usher). By the crew not including music by J. Lo, Cardi B., or Lizzo — who all appeared in the film — it separated the film (art) from the artists. It helped us see them as just actors… not music artists trying to get two checks for one film.

Real (Journalistic) Storytelling

When I found out that Hustlers was inspired and based on a real-life crime story, I couldn’t help but find the story myself. I am in awe at just how far journalistic storytelling can go. If you know me, you know how much I enjoy news stories, crime documentaries, music documentaries, and overall storytelling. The fact that a New York Magazine article about these women turning to desperate criminal behavior just to support their families could turn into such a multifaceted feature film involving major actresses says so much about the original writing by Jessica Pressler.

Honestly, that’s the kind of storytelling I want to do. That’s the kind of storyteller I want to be. I want to introduce people to a new side of life that isn’t talked about much. I want to show people the outside colorless areas that aren’t just black and white. There are so many unturned stones that constantly go overlooked because they don’t match the wholesomeness or the polluted view that people want to see.

Final Thoughts

If I had to rate this film, I would give it 4 out of 5 inches of a stiletto. From the music to the story to the cast, everything about this film screamed fantastic storytelling and artists behind the scenes. Although the cast was amazing, I have to give a round of applause to everyone behind the camera. In such a short time, they created something steamingly magical. For me, the film Hustlers reminded me that you never know how far and wide your story or your storytelling can reach. It does not have to be one medium but can stretch across many forms.

I may be almost three years too late, but congratulations to Jessica Pressler, the cast and crew of Hustlers, and to the real-life storytellers out there. Keep Hustlin’.

Legally, of course.

😉

Have you watched Hustlers? If so, what did you think of it? How do you think it adds to true journalistic storytelling? Contribute to the conversation by leaving a comment below!