AnneCarlini.com Home
 
  Giveaways!
  Insider Gossip
  Monthly Hot Picks
  Book Reviews
  CD Reviews
  Concert Reviews
  DVD Reviews
  Game Reviews
  Movie Reviews
  Check Out The NEW Anne Carlini Productions!
  [NEW] Belouis Some (2024)
  [NEW] Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel (2024)
  [NEW] Mark Ruffalo (‘Poor Things’)
  [NEW] Paul Giamatti (‘The Holdovers’)
  [NEW] Crystal Gayle
  [NEW] Ellen Foley
  Gotham Knights [David Russo - Composer]
  The Home of WAXEN WARES Candles!
  Michigan Siding Company for ALL Your Outdoor Needs
  MTU Hypnosis for ALL your Day-To-Day Needs!
  COMMENTS FROM EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE READERS!


©2024 annecarlini.com
Ghost Canyon

'The Hustle - Complete Season Two'
(Adrian Lester, Marc Warren, Robert Glenister, Jamie Murray, Robert Vaughn, et al / 2-Disc DVD / NR / (2006) 2007 / BBC Home Video)

Overview: The story of a group of elite con artists, who each week pull off a complicated scam with several twists. Mickey is the group's leader, who comes up with the plans. Albert is a veteran con man who in his later years is a "roper," searching out suitable victims and introducing them to his cohorts. Ash comes up with all the locations and equipment needed for the cons. Stacie steps in whenever she needs to use her feminine wiles. The group is rounded off by Danny, a young amateur grifter who Mickey takes under his wing.

DVD Verdict: 'Hustle' is a breezy, lightweight treat from BBC America. Originally broadcast in the States on AMC, the series follows a group of con artists as they stage one elaborate setup after another. London is their playground, and these pros are in for the "long con" to make a fortune from each episode's caper. Their "mark," in each case, is generally undone by his/her own failings or misdeeds for our group has distinct ethics - they only target people who deserve it. That's certainly a pleasant notion. It keeps things frothy and fun--and keeps anyone from viewing the protagonists as villains and criminals (which, in truth, they are).

'Hustle' succeeds by having a talented and appealing cast. Not only do you like everyone, you root for them. Robert Vaughn is the show's biggest name, and here he plays the mastermind who often lures the victims to their eventual undoing. Adrian Lester is the group's leader, a legendary con man recently released from prison. Marc Warren provides much of the comedic relief as Danny Blue - a young, irreverent newcomer who challenges and frustrates the others. The funniest moments generally involve Lester and Warren going head-to-head, each always trying to outdo the other. The team is rounded out by Jaime Murray (the bombshell) and Robert Glenister (the tech expert).

The tone of 'Hustle' is light and the pace is fast. It is easy to enjoy the antics within the program and to be amused by the scenarios. The cons themselves, however, are fairly familiar territory for those who follow this type of entertainment. While I was entertained consistently, I was rarely surprised. And while this may sound like a large problem, it's not. This show is more about the journey - and with witty, intelligent scripts and a spot-on cast, it's hard for me to imagine anyone not being engaged and entertained by 'Hustle.'

Each season consists of six episodes, some more effective than others--but not a loser in the bunch. My personal favorite comes from season 2. In it, Lester and Warren take on a personal competition. They are both dropped naked in the middle of London and then each strives to win by ending up the day with more of value. Once and for all, they want to determine who has more skill. This was a very funny episode and the only one that didn't deal specifically with a con. Recommended as a lark - good for lovers of comedy and capers. 'Hustle' may not be particularly edgy or challenging, it's just fun. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

6 episodes on 2 discs
"The Big Finish" featurette

www.BBCAmerica.com





...Archives