It’s been two years since Adam Sandler’s dramatic performance in 2019’s Uncut Gems which he received critical acclaim and still stands as one of the best-reviewed movies of his entire career. Hustle is the return of the dramatic side of the Sandman as he hits the court running with this sports drama that is another win for his filmography. Teaming up behind the scenes with NBA All-Star now film producer LeBron James, the film is a love letter to the NBA and to the underdogs still trying to get their shot in the big leagues.

Long-time Philadelphia 76ers scout, Stan Sugarman (Sandler) is given a major career move that could help him reach his dream of becoming a coach for the organization but is quickly put on hold when new owner Vince Merrick (Ben Foster) keeps him a scout. Stan has to prove himself and find the next young superstar as he travels to Spain where he discovers local streetball talent Bo Cruz (Juancho Hernangomez) hustling to make some money. Not only does Bo earn some cash, but he also earns the attention of Stan who sees this kid as the next NBA rookie sensation. Stan convinces Bo to take a chance to come with him back to America where they’ll both stop at nothing to earn their spots in the NBA.

What makes this sports drama so different compared to other sports films in recent years is the authenticity it comes with it. The love for the NBA and the sport of basketball is present throughout the entire film and having the 2nd lead actor be an actual current NBA player with Hernangomez makes the audience realize how hard certain people have to work to just to be able to have an opportunity to prove themselves worthy for the NBA. It’s also no surprise that both behind and in front of the screen of Hustle the film is drenched in NBA talent and affiliates. The film is grounded enough to where it doesn’t feel too glamorized that director Jeremiah Zagar does a fantastic job of showing that this film has heart and that there are real stakes here for these characters and doesn’t lose sight of that.

The blend of having real athletes acting alongside actors known for comedic roles like Sandler and Queen Latifah who plays his wife Teresa Sugarman, it’s a blend of talent that works and makes you question if they were to pick other actors for these roles would it have worked? Would not having actual NBA players included make the film feel too glossy and unrealistic? It’s a half-court shot of hope but it makes it every time and is not afraid to keep making those same shots. There are elements of Rocky that give this movie an extra push with the extended training montages and having it set in Philadelphia but it doesn’t rely on that and strives to make a name for itself which credits Jeremiah Zagar’s talent as a director to make a sports movie that pays homage to the greats that came before it.

It’s interesting to see Sandler lace up for another dramatic role so soon after Uncut Gems, but that shows how much he’s grown as an actor and that the overhwhelming positive response to his dramatic roles should be very rewarding to him as he continues to show he has more to offer rather than shooting another Netflix comedy airball like Hubie Halloween. The Sandman seems to have found his “bank shot” with roles like this which makes audiences very excited to see what’s on the horizon for him and if he’ll stay dribbling with great performances like this. Hustle is a return of the great sports movie that has been missing in recent years which successfully “alley-oops” the possibility of sports movies with heart returning to Hollywood.