414. Hustlers; movie review

HUSTLERS
Cert 15
110 mins
BBFC advice: Contains sexualised nudity, strong sex references, language, drug misuse

It amazes me that there is still a market for clubs where men throw hundreds if not thousands of pounds at young women who dance for them.
I confess to having visited two in my life - many years ago I was cajoled by a mate when I could least afford the cost of the drinks and tips.
It all seemed a bit naff to me and rather than be turned on, I felt pity for the young women.

I certainly can't say I was in the Wall Street league of throwing money away in which case I might have at least contributed to them setting themselves up with a good home.
Instead, I felt a bit dirty and ashamed that I had lined the pockets of club owners.
Anyway, during Lorene Scafaria's Hustlers, 'hostess' Destiny (Constance Wu) is telling her story to a magazine writer (Julia Styles).
She alights upon the modus operandi of Romana (Jennifer Lopez) - club 'hostess' who targets the very wealthiest customers.
All is well while money is flowing but, after the financial crash of 2008, she has to try a rather different tactic to make sure she can continue to live in her accustomed luxury.
You have to hand it to Lopez - she may be 50 but she easily convinces that she could earn lots of money being a table dancer.
And her acting isn't half bad either - she is compelling in her drive for money and her character takes no prisoners.
Meanwhile, Wu's Destiny is more reserved but such are the potential riches, her conscience is firmly parked out of sight.
Let's be clear - while there is a lot of skin on view in Hustlers, this is a movie which is very much on the women's side, exploring their family-driven need for money
Indeed, it is painted that men get their rightful comeuppance for spending cash on girls behind the backs of their wives.
So, if anyone watches it hoping for a cheap thrill, it is more like a kick in the nuts.
Oh, and there is also a very brief opportunity to see Lizzo show of her flute skills (not a euphemism).

Reasons to watch: A very different con job
Reasons to avoid: Takes too long to get to its point

Laughs: One
Jumps: One
Vomit: Yes
Nudity: Yes
Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? In 2018, there were 3,828 strip clubs in the United States and the industry was worth $8bn

The final word. Jennifer Lopez: "We all feel so incredibly proud to have gotten this movie made and to have so many women working in the key positions — as producer, director, editor, stars." Refinery29

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