Hustlers

The crime flick gets an outrageously sexy, distinctly empowered makeover courtesy of writer/director Lorene Scafaria (Seeking a Friend for the End of the World) as she spins a true-life con into a lavishly glamorous tale of friendship and revenge. Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians) plays stripper Destiny, who is taken under the wing of Jennifer Lopez's veteran clothes-shedder Ramona. After the 2008 financial crash sends their fortunes south, Ramona devises a lucrative hustle, drugging Wall Street clients and racking up vast credit card charges. As the film flips through the years, it presents a riot of magnificently entertaining montage and Lopez brings her pop-star swagger and bravura moves to what could be her most eye-catching role yet. Those looking for titillation may find Scafaria's stance uncomfortable: men are no more than a sleazy backdrop here. The social commentary is sometimes slight but, given the setting, the focus on female camaraderie feels fresh. Wu is a sympathetic protagonist, while trash-talking rapper Cardi B steals a few scenes. But, as she smokes, schemes and struts her stuff like only a diva can, it's unquestionably J-Lo's show.