Netflix's new Adam Sandler movie just dropped — and it's already No. 1

Netflix's new Adam Sandler movie just dropped — and it's already No. 1

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Adam Sandler has been making movies for Netflix since 2014, but his newest project might be his best yet. The sports drama Hustle (which arrived today, and is one of th  new movies and shows to watch this weekend) is a hit with critics and Netflix users, earning a 88 percent Rotten Tomatoes(opens in new tab) rating and 90 percent audience score. Oh, and as of Thursday afternoon, it's the number 1 movie in the U.S. on Netflix, per the service's front page.

Sandler's Netflix movies have been poorly reviewed but very popular with viewers. That's why Netflix extended its high-priced deal with his Happy Madison production banner in 2020 to produce four more films. At the time, the streamer noted subscribers had spent two billion hours watching his films, which include The Ridiculous 6, Sandy Wexler, The Week Of and Murder Mystery (which was the service's most popular movie in 2019). 

What is Hustle about?

Sandler stars as Stanley Sugerman, a Philadelphia 76ers scout who travels the world looking for the next big talent. His wife, Teresa (Queen Latifah), worries about his health. Stanley also dreams of ascending to a coaching position, but for now, he's stuck on the road. 

Those titles were savaged by critics; 2020's Hubie Halloween has a 52 percent RT rating. Yet, Hustle is earning positive notice (just not quite to the level of Sandler's most recent theatrical work, Uncut Gems). But like that film, Hustle involves basketball, the actor's beloved sport. It's even co-produced by LeBron James.

Hustle is a classic sports underdog story. There are even sequences where Stanley has Bo running up Philadelphia hills, in a nod to Rocky. It's also a bit of a buddy comedy that contrasts the snarky scout with the brooding baller.

Hustle reviews

Hustle is getting a lot of positive reactions. Here's a roundup of what critics are saying:

Entertainment Weekly's Leah Greenblatt(opens in new tab) calls it "satisfying in the way the best sports movies are: a scrappy tale of adversity and triumph, smartly told."

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter(opens in new tab) writes, "there’s a depth of feeling and a disarming sincerity to the movie that keeps you watching. Even the inevitable triumph seems refreshingly understated."

AV Club's Courtney Howard(opens in new tab) says, "Though it follows a by-the-numbers plot, borrowing pages from the playbooks of The Air Up There and My Giant, its compelling character drive and exhilarating technical craftsmanship more than make up for its narrative familiarity."

Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times writes(opens in new tab), "This is Adam Sandler’s love letter to the game, and it is great fun from the opening tip to the final buzzer."

Audience members have sent in more glowing feedback to Rotten Tomatoes(opens in new tab). Rachel says, "Such a great film. Super basketball. Terrific performances. Loved it!" and Okshaw declares, "Best sports movie I've ever seen."

Advertisementmovies and shows to watch this weekend(opens in new tab), including Ms. Marvel and the return of Peaky Blinders. And check our story on The Boys season 3 episode 4, as Antony Starr/Homelander says he's parodying 'that guy.'