Hustle is a love letter to basketball that will further your love for Adam Sandler as a dramatic actor. Coming off Uncut Gems, Sandler proves once more that he is just as (or even more so) commanding, likeable and endearing as other Hollywood leading men. Yes, there’s an “every man” charm that he exudes with every interaction that he has, making it impossible to dislike him. In fact, you’ll root for him every step of the way. And so, the film as a whole becomes effortless in its ability to draw us in and make us care – even if you really don’t care that much about the prime subject: basketball. But, for those that do follow the game and watch regularly, well, there’s plenty of passion for the sport on display. In fact, Hustle also serves as a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make it in the NBA, and what it takes to stay there. Is this on the level of other sports agent films like Jerry Maguire? Not quite. The film doesn’t get too showy on us, but there are still plenty of feel good moments. In short, it’s a crowd pleaser. And who better to lead the charge than one of the biggest pleasers of crowds out there: Mr. Adam Sandler.