Review of the Movie "Hustle"

The movie Hustle stars Adam Sandler as a talent scout for the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team. It is a story of redemption as he shows us an example of being a generative male archetype. He embodies a part of the self that helps others become their best and enriches their lives.

Near the beginning of the film there is a close up of Sandler’s face showing his full beard flecked with gray. It gives him a rabbinical look and lets us know he has matured and moved on from his goof ball Happy Gilmore days. His aging face tells us that he has been on a life journey and through his struggles he has acquired wisdom. Everyone wants to be wise, but the truth is wisdom is gained through ordeals and dealing with losses and grief.  

Sandler’s character, Stanley Sugarman, concretely expresses his losses as the camera focuses in on the scar on his hand and the plastic cast that supports his damaged wrist.

The story unfolds as he travels around the world scouting out new talent to be added to the team’s roster. He talks with his wife, played by Queen Latifa, and shares that he has missed almost all of his daughter’s birthday parties because of his devotion to basketball and his role of talent scout. He realized what a high price he has paid for that loyalty and regrets it.

On his way back to his hotel he happens upon a street game of basketball and is intrigued with very talented young player named Beau Cruse, played by Juancho Hernangomez, playing ball in a pair of construction boots. He approaches him after the game and finds out he supports his young daughter and mother by working construction jobs and making extra cash in the pickup games like the one he just witnessed.   He takes an immediate liking to the young player and his family and explains that he is a talent scout for a pro team and wants him to come to the U.S. to try out.

He becomes a mentor and does something very important for the young man. He believes in him and supports him in following his dream. And in helping the young player he is finding a new purpose for himself as he also had a dream of being a pro ball player that was cut short. The scar on his hand tells us of his dashed hopes. Instead of staying embittered by his losses he finds a way to make things right for himself and others by bringing this talented young man from dire circumstances into the pros.

As the two men are getting to know each other the young man shows Sandler his tattoos. His right arm is filled with imagery of his daughter and mother. He then points out his blank left arm and states, “this arm is for my father: Nothing!” Expressing the anger and pain over his absent dad.

Through the predictable challenges and missteps, the young player flounders and under Sandler’s guidance overcomes the obstacles and makes it. As the two hug near the end he shows Sandler his previously un-tattooed left arm. It now sports an uprooted tree and the words, “Never Give up!” These words had been given to Sandler by the team’s elderly owner, now passed. It is a way of passing on a blessing and is a benediction of how to stand up for yourself. Sugarman’s watch words have now been adopted by the young player. The void of his father has now begun to be filled by Sandler’s mentoring and love.

The tree being uprooted with a sizeable root ball suggestions the tree is ready to be planted. Perhaps a symbol of the young man’s desire to put down roots and be on his own journey toward that generative role for others someday.

Sandler’s character has redeemed himself by his actions to be a guiding light for the young player and in the process has reconnected with his own family that he has ignored in the name of being good at his job. He stands proudly, without ego or arrogance, lifting up this young player and his god given skills so that he can grow and prosper and be a good father to his young daughter.

This was a very inspiring story of redemption and renewed energy for life. I suggest you watch it.