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Hustlers: An Overlooked Cinematic Gem

22 Jan

Its awards season once again, and for me,  it’s hard not to reflect on films that were unjustly overlooked in years past…
 Hustlers (2019), directed by Lorene Scafaria and inspired by true events, stands as a prime example. Though it enjoyed critical acclaim and box office success, it didn’t receive the awards recognition it deserved—a true oversight considering its impeccable performances, sharp writing, and undeniable cultural resonance.

“This whole country is a strip club. You’ve got people tossing the money, and people doing the dance.” – Jennifer Lopez as Ramona.

At the heart of Hustlers is Jennifer Lopez’s spellbinding performance as Ramona, the charismatic ringleader of a group of women who devise an audacious and treacherous plan to take on their wealthy, mean spirited Wall Street clients in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Lopez doesn’t just play Ramona; she inhabits her with a captivating blend of strength, vulnerability, and charisma. Her iconic entrance in the film (a dance to Fiona Apple’s “Criminal”) is a masterclass in presence, setting the tone for a performance that is equal parts commanding and tender while showing (not telling) the audience why Ramona is the club’s undisputed headliner. It’s a career-best turn for Lopez, and one that should have earned her the accolades she so clearly deserved.

While Lopez undeniably anchors the film, she’s surrounded by an exceptional ensemble cast. Constance Wu’s portrayal of Destiny, the film’s protagonist and emotional core, is nuanced and empathetic, while Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart inject humor and warmth into the narrative. Julia Stiles, a reporter who is trying to piece together the why and how for our ragtag group of strippers crime spree acts almost like an audience proxy asking questions that we the viewers are hoping to get answered. Together, these performers create a team of love, connection, ambition, and survival that rivals the likes of Goodfellas.

Hustlers may be a bit glitzy for some, but Scafaria crafts a narrative that is just as glamorous as it is gritty, juxtaposing the glitz of nightclub life with the stark realities of financial hardship and systemic inequality. The film doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity, presenting its characters flaws but highlighting that these are people navigating a world that has left them with limited choices (and its clear they make some bad ones). It’s a story that resonates far beyond the confines of its genre, offering a poignant critique of power, greed, and resilience.

If you haven’t yet experienced Hustlers, there’s no better time than now. It’s a film that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, and a reminder of how the industry sometimes misses true cinematic brilliance during awards season. Don’t you make the same mistake—watch Hustlers (available on BluRay at the HPL main branch) and let its brilliance speak for itself.

Written by:
Tyler Riley
Information and Digital Services Assistant

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The Mystery of How I Learned to Love to Read: James Patterson and Beyond

8 Jan

Thinking back on my younger days, I often viewed reading as an endless endeavor, lacking the clear timeframes that television or movies (my then preferred entertainment) provided. The uncertainty of how long a book might take to finish made it seem more like a chore than something for pleasure.

My perspective began to shift during my freshman year of high school. Recognizing my interest in crime procedurals and mysteries, my mother recommended I give James Patterson’s Along Came a Spider a try. She encouraged me to read just one chapter… Initially, I was reluctant, but I agreed. To my surprise, Patterson’s chapters were super short and super engaging. After completing the first, I found myself wanting to continue, gradually becoming engrossed in the narrative. The structure of Patterson’s books made reading feel manageable… accessible even, altering my perceptions.

As high school continued, my respect for literature deepened and I found myself in the high school library quite often. In my junior year, I was approached by the school librarian/media specialist to establish a teen book club during lunch hours. Serving as the inaugural president, I led discussions that allowed me to connect with fellow students over shared literary interests. These interactions enhanced my empathy, active listening skills, and appreciation for diverse perspectives, underscoring the profound impact that literature can have on personal development.

Today, my literary preferences still remain rooted in crime and mystery genres, with authors like Walter Mosley, Alexander McCall Smith, G.K. Chesterton, and Agatha Christie among my favorites. I also explore biographies, essay collections, and fantasy, broadening my understanding of different writing styles and subject matters.

For those who find reading daunting, I suggest starting with subjects that genuinely interest you. Seeking recommendations from friends or family can provide personalized entry points into the world of literature. Additionally, authors like James Patterson, with their succinct chapters, can make the reading experience more approachable.

In conclusion, my journey from viewing reading as a chore to embracing it as a source of enjoyment and growth illustrates how finding the right material and engaging with a community of readers can transform one’s relationship with literature.

If you love reading, what was that first book(s) that sparked your interest? Let us know in the comments!

Written by:
Tyler Riley
Information and Digital Services Library Assistant

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