For most of us, the name Adam Sandler automatically makes us think of comedy. Yet the actor has always taken a detour into dramatic features with films like Punch-Drunk Love, Reign Over Me, and Uncut Gems. And now he has made perhaps my favorite of his dramatic turns with Hustle. In it, he portrays a basketball scout who finds a troublesome player, yet one who is especially talented. And that player? That would be the fantastic Juancho Hernangómez, otherwise known as #41, Power Forward for the Utah Jazz. The two are terrific together, and the film is one of the most enjoyable surprises of the summer. Directed by Jeremiah Zagar, the Netflix feature also stars Ben Foster, Queen Latifah, and Robert Duvall, and it’s one of the most engaging films I’ve seen so far this year (our critic Alex Maidy also raved about it).
We at JoBlo.com recently had the exceptional pleasure of chatting with a few of the players in Hustle. And yes, that includes Mr. Sandler and Mr. Hernangómez. It was my first time speaking with Adam, and every single person who said he was a delightful guy to chat with is one hundred percent correct. It was a joy talking with the guy about taking on a sports flick, working with LaBron James, and delving into a more serious turn in his career. And it was even better speaking with him and Juancho together. Mr. Hernangómez is a delight. He’s friendly, hilarious, and honestly, he has such impressive charisma that I’d love to see him play in person. Hustle is terrific. It’s got a ton of heart, and all the performances are on point. Truly, I’ll be watching again. And you can check it out right now, on Netflix.