The Time Machine (2002)

What is a “hustler”? Raising kids and working? Being a single mom? Taking care of your grandparent, daughter and working without a partner? Seems admirable in all cases. The women of Hustlers work hard — physically, emotionally, intellectually. They are constantly getting taken advantage of and keep hustling to take care of themselves and their families. But this film is not about sex workers rising above the industry. This film is about unapologetic women who are very close to white-collar criminals and decide there is no reason not to squeeze these Wall Street men dry. It is magically performed by a large cast of women, led by Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. Fingers crossed that they are recognized for the performances during awards season.

Women are powerful and shrewd throughout Hustlers. The audience is always rooting for them and always on their side, despite the criminal behavior.

“Having all women on the set — in front of the camera, behind the camera, behind the scenes with producers — it’s definitely a different experience. It’s not something that happens every day in Hollywood,” Lopez told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’ve done, I don’t know, 40 movies or something like that. It’s never happened. I don’t think it’s ever happened.”

It’s a different experience for the audience, too. With a female-led cast, a female director, and female writers, we are introduced to several well-developed female characters. They are well aware of the universal oppression of the Wall Street-ers who patronize their club, even before the crash of 2008. These men are just idiots who spend their money on a fantasy provided by the women. But the women in the film are in on it — they are in control. Sexy and driven, smart and clever. Also, don’t forget that Jennifer Lopez is 50 years old! Her character, Ramona, is the leader of this group of sex workers, but there is no shock or shame based on her age. Life does not end for middle-aged women, despite Hollywood’s typical perspective on them.