Movie Review Madness - Hustlers

Oh Baby. I've always liked Jennifer Lopez and she is beyond Jenny on the Block in this movie. She OWNS the freaking block - Manhattan, Wall Street - at night, when men are looking for some fun/trouble.

Hustlers is based on a real story and it's hot. It's gritty, female empowerment, working hard for the money, and it's entertaining. Destiny (Constance Wu) is caring for her grandmother and trying to make a living. She's dancing at a club and as the new girl is aced out of the big bucks.

Fortunately, she plays it smart and gets in good with Ramona (Jennifer Lopez). Ramona is a star - she's rolling in the dough and sees potential in Destiny, takes her under wing, and teaches her how to dance and play these Wall Street fools. It's all business. The hustle at the club is grand until 2008 and Wall Street explodes. The economy busts and times are hard. We see it all.

Then after a few years, a child for Destiny - she reunites with Ramona. New opportunity. New and old contacts to hustle, and Ramona has it figured out. Here's where it's dicey - drugging the guys, maxing their credit cards...hey, no one squeals because who wants to be out-hustled by some strippers? Until....

This is a slick, entertaining movie with good acting, a solid story, and it's not a stripper with hearts of gold. It's a bit down and dirty. Thumbs up. This is J-Lo at the top of her game. Don't laugh. She's darn good. And as Ramona says, "This world is like a strip club. There's always someone throwing money, and someone dancing."   Think about it!    Hustlers!

Movie Review - Crazy Rich Asians

Crazy Rich Asians met all expectations based on previews. Great cast, good story, some depth, and gorgeous backdrop. It’s a rich film to see on the big screen. Huge thumbs up.  It’s directed by Jon M. Chu adapted from Kevin Kwan’s novel. It’s a swoon worthy romance. Funny, poignant, and entertaining.  Constance Wu is Rachel Chu – Chinese American economics professor from Queens who grew up with a single mom. She’s achieved the American dream. Dating Nick Young (handsome Henry Golding) after a year, he wants her to join him in a trip to Singapore to meet the family. He’s a best man in a wedding. Should be a fun trip….

Turns out Nick comes from mega wealth – a Singapore dynasty. Rachel is the interloper – an American who has no clue. The film covers the visit. When Nick’s mother Eleanor (the fantastic Michelle Yeoh) meets Rachel,  the icy reception is hard to miss. But Nick is so in love, he’s sure that Rachel will charm his grandmother, mother, and family. Oh dear, that’s sweet but so naïve. There’s a lot more depth to the story – the bachelor and bachelorette parties, the backstabbing Singapore family, the welcoming family, Rachel’s old college friend (and true support), and the on-screen energy between Nick and Rachel.  This film works and you root and cringe as the story plays out. There is a lot more to the story – power, parentage, values, money, and love. Singapore looks gorgeous. The concept of really, really rich is brought to the screen. But money doesn’t always buy happiness or security as we see in some side stories.

The key is Nick and Rachel and they are really good together. Go see Crazy Rich Asians and root for them.  This is such a nice end to summer movie season – a film with culture, conflict, passion, and fun film making.  Aah…young love……..

Jon