Unpacking the Con-Artist Comedy in The Hustle
The Hustle, a 2019 comedy film, plunges audiences into a world where two very different women vie for the same lucrative mark. At its core, the story introduces Josephine Chesterfield, played by Anne Hathaway, a sophisticated and glamorous British con artist with a meticulously crafted life dedicated to swindling wealthy, unsuspecting men. Her well-ordered existence on the French Riviera is abruptly disrupted by the arrival of Penny Rust, portrayed by Rebel Wilson, a boisterous and free-spirited Australian hustler whose methods are anything but subtle. Penny’s chaotic, fun-loving approach clashes spectacularly with Josephine’s calculated cunning, setting the stage for an unlikely partnership — or perhaps, a rivalry. Together, or apart, their ultimate goal is to outwit and defraud a seemingly gullible tech billionaire, pushing the boundaries of their individual talents for fraud. It’s a classic setup, isn’t it? The film promises a delightful clash of personalities and a series of elaborate schemes, all centered around who can pull off the ultimate swindle.
Behind the Scenes of The Hustle: Remake Roots and Star Power
Directed by Chris Addison, The Hustle isn't an entirely original concept; it's a female-led remake with a notable cinematic lineage. The film updates the 1988 comedy classic Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which itself was a remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story. This latest iteration, released in 2019, carries the torch of comedic cons into the modern era with a fresh gender dynamic. The screenplay was penned by Stanley Shapiro, Paul Henning, Dale Launer, and Jac Schaeffer, drawing heavily on the established narrative while attempting to inject new life. The film brings together a talented ensemble cast beyond its two leads, including Alex Sharp as the unsuspecting tech billionaire, alongside Dean Norris, Timothy Simons, Ingrid Oliver, and Nicholas Woodeson, all contributing to the comedic backdrop. Produced in both Spain and the United States of America, the film boasts a runtime of 89 minutes, a brisk pace for a comedy caper. While its IMDb rating stands at a modest 5.6/10, the film managed to perform decently at the box office, grossing over $97.3 million worldwide against a production budget of $21 million. That’s a respectable return, proving audiences were curious to see this dynamic duo in action, even if critical consensus was... well, let's just say it was mixed. Here at Movie OTT, we always appreciate when a film, regardless of its critical reception, finds its audience.
The Critical Divide: What Worked (and Didn't) in The Hustle
Honestly, The Hustle arrived with significant anticipation, primarily due to the star power of Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson. Hathaway, known for her sharp wit and versatile performances, and Wilson, celebrated for her unique brand of physical comedy and irreverent humor, seemed like a dream team. The premise itself — a gender-swapped remake of a beloved con-artist comedy — offered immense potential for fresh laughs and clever twists. However, user reviews suggest that the execution didn't quite live up to this promise. Many viewers, like Gimly, who typically enjoys Hathaway's work, found the film to be a "poor finished product," even singling out Hathaway's performance as subpar. The general sentiment echoed by JPV852 was that the film offered "absolutely nothing new," failing to deviate from its Dirty Rotten Scoundrels predecessor and, worse yet, lacking the crucial chemistry that made the original pairing of Michael Caine and Steve Martin so memorable. CinemaSerf went further, describing it as a "totally class-free remake" that was "vulgar and crass," yearning for the subtlety that could have transformed it into a truly fun role-reversal caper. It seems that despite the glamorous locations and the inherent comedic talents of its stars, the film struggled to find its footing, with many finding the comedy falling flat at every turn. It's a shame, because the idea was solid. We've seen on movieott.com that even films with lukewarm reviews can spark lively discussions, and The Hustle is no exception, proving that audience experiences can vary wildly, even for the same movie.
Where to Stream The Hustle (2019) Online Now
For those curious to experience the comedic caper of The Hustle firsthand, or perhaps to revisit Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson's dynamic, finding where to stream it is straightforward. As of now, the 2019 film is currently available to stream on Netflix. This makes it easily accessible for subscribers looking for a lighthearted crime comedy. If you're pondering a movie night and this film piques your interest, you can head straight to Netflix to watch it. For up-to-the-minute information on where The Hustle is streaming, alongside other titles, our comprehensive “Where to Watch” widget at the top of this page provides real-time availability across all major platforms. Movie OTT diligently tracks these changes, ensuring you always know exactly where to find your favorite films online. Don't waste time searching — we've got you covered.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is The Hustle (2019) about?
The Hustle follows two female con artists, the sophisticated Josephine Chesterfield and the boisterous Penny Rust, who initially compete but eventually team up to swindle a naive tech billionaire on the French Riviera. It's a comedic battle of wits and elaborate schemes.
Q: Who stars in The Hustle?
The film stars Anne Hathaway as Josephine Chesterfield and Rebel Wilson as Penny Rust. The supporting cast includes Alex Sharp, Dean Norris, Timothy Simons, Ingrid Oliver, and Nicholas Woodeson.
Q: Is The Hustle a remake?
Yes, The Hustle is a female-led remake of the 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was itself a remake of the 1964 film Bedtime Story.
Q: Where can I watch The Hustle right now?
As of its current streaming availability, The Hustle (2019) is available to stream on Netflix. Check the Movie OTT "Where to Watch" widget for the latest updates.
Q: What is the IMDb rating for The Hustle?
The Hustle holds an IMDb rating of 5.6/10, based on user reviews and ratings.
Is The Hustle Worth Watching? Our Final Verdict
So, after all is said and done, is The Hustle worth your time? If you're a fan of Anne Hathaway or Rebel Wilson, and you're looking for a relatively undemanding comedy with a straightforward premise, it might be. The film’s strengths lie in its two lead performers, even if their on-screen chemistry didn't quite hit the mark for everyone. It’s a film that aims for broad laughs and light entertainment, and it certainly delivers on the "con artist" aspect. Just don't go in expecting a groundbreaking cinematic experience or a faithful comedic masterpiece. Think of it as a fun, if flawed, popcorn flick for a casual evening. And remember, for more insights and where to stream all your favorite movies, keep an eye on movieott.com.
