The Hustle

Sir Michael Caine once said "Rather than remake a good movie, remake a bad one, you can only improve it" Advice not taken in this instance. Lately Anne Hathaway has made a habit of making bad remakes or sequels of hit movies (Oceans 8, The Hustle). She has the talent to make good movies,But is making schlock like this.

I liked it better as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, with Steve Martin

Wilson's persona and jokes are really running on fumes at this point. Finally getting the chance to fully display her array of talents nowadays, you realize she is probably just a one-trick pony. The Hustle desperately needed a splash of genius but it is nowhere to be found. A couple of gags worth chuckling about, but the film as a whole is a painful chore to get through. Predictable and nothing to remember it by.

...but I thought it was very funny! Admittedly in a bum on seat, brain in neutral, don't expect to be stretched way. Nearly every review I've seen criticised some aspect of the film... Anne Hathaway's English accent was not accurate, but I thought it was ok... nearer James McAvoy than Russell Crowe. Rebel Wilson not funny? I beg to differ! We are talking slapstick rather than satire but I was kept amused and actually laughed out loud a few times. Not as much as my daughter who was in stitches practically the whole way through but enough that I knew I was watching a comedy. This film is never going to appear in an academic text on theory and practice of cinematography or even a 500 films you need to see before you die list but It is great if you just want a kick back and relax session.

It lacked oomph. We need so much now when the movies are of such high quality. The acting was not the issue rather the script they had to work with. There were only a couple of belly laughs, and others that were funny but not hilarious. The setting was fine as well. Some nice views were on show. With comedies they have the opportunity to be ridiculous and far fetched with some superb lines thrown in for effect and to give good actors a chance to shine. A few twists and turns that you cannot see coming also helps. The actors were let down I think. The storyline needed to be more complex. The very best comedies are multi layered and clever. This one lacked all that unfortunately. There was little tugging of the heart strings as well. That can be omitted for a comedy but it helps as well. In depth characterisation was not there either. I did not connect much to any of them. There were a few surprises but I had guessed them or saw them coming. Maybe keep it for a TV movie later on. It is not in the realm of the fine comedies!