HUSTLE is the latest Adam Sandler movie using the rehashed formula of the likable underdog overcoming the odds. Sandler and Stallone are not alone in the tried, true and tired "Rocky" storyline. Sandler stars as Stanley Sugarman, a devout scout for the 76ers but his real dream is to a coach a team. Stanley's dream to coach finally came true thanks to the team's owner Max Merrick (Robert Duvall). Unfortunately for Stan and the movie, Duvall dies the day he gives Stan his big chance and a closet size office. Merrick's son, Vince (Ben Foster) plays Stan's nemesis with Simon Legree smarminess. Stan is sent back out again on as a scout on an endless medley of airports, fast food and sleepless nights. One of the few winning shots in the movie is Queen Latifah cast as his charming wife, Teresa, and Jordan Hull as his teenage daughter. Stan stumbles upon a pickup game in Spain where he salivates over the raw talent of Bo Cruz (Juancho Herman Gomez) hustling the hotshot while wearing construction boots. Stan chases down Bo's bus and follows him to the squalid home Bo shares with his mother and adorable young, daughter. His mom runs interference and wants to be shown the money. The starting NBA salary is plenty to convince Bo and his mom to agree to tryout for a spot on the team. Once in the states, things don't go according to plan. Vince relishes and humiliating Stan by dismissing Bo on the first go. Stan finally tells Vince where he can go. Bo is a fish out of water and Stan a man without a job. Stan's new plan is to put all his hoops and dreams in Bo's basket. Stan wakes Bo in the middle of the night to train in the rain with the aid of his bullhorn. If it all sounds familiar, it should. Stan's "loves this game, lives and breathes this game." The film needs new life breathed into this rehashed script. It's a harmless feel good film with few surprises that delivers the same old drivel.
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