Hustle
Performance & Direction: Hustle Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Hustle (2022) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hustle features a noteworthy lineup led by Adam Sandler . Supported by the likes of Queen Latifah and Juancho Hernangómez , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Hustle
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2022, Hustle is a Drama, Comedy film directed by Jeremiah Zagar. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Adam Sandler.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. After discovering a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past abroad, a down on his luck basketball scout takes it upon himself to bring the phenom to the States without his team's approval. Against the odds, they have one final shot to prove they have what it takes to make it in the NBA. The screenplay takes time to develop Adam Sandler's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Adam Sandler, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances, especially from Adam Sandler, that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Ending Explained: Hustle
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jeremiah Zagar, Hustle resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Adam Sandler, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Hustle demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Hustle?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Hustle
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $21.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Hustle Budget
The estimated production budget for Hustle is $21.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Hustle
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Hustle Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
NetflixHustle Parents Guide & Age Rating
2022 AdvisoryWondering about Hustle age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Hustle is 117 minutes (1h 57m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.7/10, and global performance metrics, Hustle is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2022 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hustle worth watching?
Hustle is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.7/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Hustle parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Hustle identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Hustle?
The total duration of Hustle is 117 minutes, which is approximately 1h 57m long.
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How Hustle Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Hustle
**Hustle has a typical unknown up-and-comer plot for a sports movie, but it doesn't keep it from being an enjoyable movie.** Hustle is basketball Rocky with Adam Sandler as the Mickey-type character and Juancho Hernangomez as the Rocky. As a Netflix straight-to-stream, Hustle rose above expectations. Hustle tugged on the heart from time to time, and Sandler gave a sincere heartfelt performance, helping boost the quality of the film. With most of the rest of the cast rounded out with professional basketball players, the game performances were excellent, but the character acting was restricted to not over-stretch their acting skills. This sometimes limited the story's depth, and some of the movie's plot felt generic. Still, Hustle is a solid sports movie that is enjoyable for basketball fans.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
