The digital age has completely altered how our world functions. Our work, lifestyle, and even the way we relish childhood’s thrills have all undergone significant changes in the digital age. One very specific element of adolescence is, of course, the love for sports and the many, many forms of fandom that come with it. While collecting physical memorabilia was once a popular pastime among friends, it may surprise many to learn that it has now become a global enterprise. Hobby Hustle, both a love letter and an eye-opener in equal measure, delves into a specific and fond activity that most of us likely experienced growing up or continue to pursue today: the art and business of trading cards and authentic sports collectibles, exposing both the positive and negative aspects of this industry.
Regardless of what you enjoy for entertainment, there’s bound to be someone in your circle of family or friends who’s obsessed with an athlete, a team, or a sport. And of course, it should go without saying that such fans crave a piece of the very thing they idolize. This keepsake holds personal significance for them. But items from the sporting world carry a hefty physical cost as well, especially when worn or signed by a star athlete. Everyday folk approach this process very differently, and Hobby Hustle has a wide range of subjects to pull from, like Karl Kissner, whose accidental find of several old, yet highly sought-after baseball trading cards makes him an unwitting hobbyist in the complex world of collecting. Matt Belk and Jake Meyer, content creators, have a platform that fosters a community of like-minded individuals. Luke Kooy, a 19-year-old, has turned his passion into a burgeoning business venture, positioning his town as a destination for collectors. Director Michael Dault also skillfully shines the spotlight on the criminal side of collecting, that being former pro baseball player Cliff Panezich, who was jailed for creating and distributing fakes for profit. There’s even a particularly memorable sequence in which Panezich shows off his ability to forge different star player’s signatures. Throw in district attorneys, podcast hosts, coaches, mothers, and fathers, and Hobby Hustle ends up with a wonderful blend of stories.
Dault’s documentary is well-researched and has a multitude of perspectives for viewers to rely on for a comprehensive and educational watch. It also carefully selects its shots and visuals, effectively utilizing drone shots, old photographs, publicly available media, and a variety of other sources. Ultimately the storytelling leaves you questioning, and sometimes even empathizing, with the lengths some people will go to in order to obtain a coveted item. It’s a fleeting moment of respite before moving on to the next best thing.
With that being said, it can be a challenge to get through all 155-minutes of the documentary in one sitting. Although the film never displays overt excess, it often stumbles by attempting to cover too much at once. The end result can feel a little drawn out, something a fair bit of editing could help make more concise.
Hobby Hustle’s runtime may be a daunting venture for some, but its invaluable combination of personal stories and professional insights makes it essential viewing for hustlers of all different motivations in the world of collecting.
