TV • PAGE 27
THE BULLETIN • APRIL 21 - 27, 2022
BY JAY BOBBIN
Solution on page 18
Jennifer Lopez gives ‘Hustlers’
its real hustle
“Hustlers” boasts an impressive female cast, but there’s little doubt who you’ll remember the most from it.
Also a producer of the fact-based drama – which Freeform shows Monday, April 25, and Tuesday, April 26
– Jennifer Lopez has given herself a terrific role as the ringleader of a group of strippers who come up with a
scheme to profit quite beautifully from practicing their profession. It has to do with bilking the wealthy men
they coerce, but there’s a lot more to the tale than that.
“Hustlers” also is a story of true sisterhood and of surviving tough financial times, especially when you’re
a single parent who also has to fend for your child. Constance Wu plays a newcomer to the group, and you
almost can understand why she was so upset about having to return to TV’s “Fresh Off the Boat” if it meant
having to turn down projects like this. The characters are well-defined and generally well-played, giving this a
boost above a typical con-artist saga while also furnishing the means for good work by a number of actresses.
Lili Reinhart of “Riverdale” also is on board, as is Keke Palmer, who around the same time became a daytime
talk-show co-host on the now-defunct “GMA3:
Strahan & Sara & Keke.” Julia Stiles appears as the
reporter who wrote the actual story that inspired the
movie, which was written and directed by actress
turned filmmaker Lorene Scafaria (“The Meddler,”
“Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”).
However, it’s Lopez who really sells “Hustlers.”
Her acting career generally has coasted since her
early high marks in “Selena” and “Out of Sight,”
with rom-coms on the order of “The Wedding
Planner,” “Second Act” and the recent “Marry
Me” becoming her norm. While those have shown
off her appeal, they haven’t been particularly
demanding in acting terms ... but here, Lopez
displays a wise and natural expertise that really is
a thrill to watch. It’s a matter of seeing a star also
being a skilled performer in the truest sense, and
it’s not surprising to see her being discussed for a
possible Oscar nomination. Her work stands out
that much.
“Hustlers” might be compelling enough without
“Hustlers”
her, but it’s a real bonus for the movie – and for
viewers – that J. Lo takes it higher.
JENNIFER LOPEZ’S
TOP 1 0 MOV I E S
CUSTOM CABINETS & CLOSETS
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BY JAY BOBBIN
“Hustlers” (2019) : Lopez clearly is the star attraction in this better-
than-might-be-expected drama about the sisterhood among several dancers.
“The Back-up Plan” (2010) : It’s not the easiest thing to pull
off being charming in a comedy about artificial insemination, but Lopez
manages.
“Monster-in-Law” (2005) : Lopez and Jane Fonda are a fun
match as the fiancee and the mom struggling over the same man (Michael
Vartan).
“Shall We Dance?” (2004) : This respectable remake of the
Japanese drama uses Lopez nicely as the dance instructor who inspires a
married attorney (Richard Gere) in several ways.
“Maid in Manhattan” (2002) : Lopez plays a contemporary
Cinderella in this romantic comedy about a hotel maid’s case of mistaken
identity.
“Enough” (2002) : A cable mainstay, this drama gives Lopez a
great chance to show her serious side as an abused wife and mother who
finally decides to battle back.
“The Wedding Planner” (2001) : A charming Lopez fills
the title occupation in this love story, with Matthew McConaughey as the
would-be groom she falls for while planning his nuptials.
“Out of Sight” (1998) : Lopez’s teamwork with George Clooney
on this adaptation of an Elmore Leonard crime novel often is cited as evidence
of how combustibly good a pairing of stars can be.
“Selena” (1997) : Her top triumph as a solo star to date, this
biography of the slain singer allows Lopez to shine both dramatically and
musically.
“Money Train” (1995) : The emphasis is on Wesley Snipes and
Woody Harrelson as transit cops, but Lopez adds allure as another officer
working with them.
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