American Hustle – Review

Loosely based on the real life FBI Abscam sting operation in the late 1970’s, American Hustle is the story of  two con-artists who are forced to help a FBI agent set up corrupt politicians.

This stylish and slick crime comedy  drama takes a very familiar formula; reminiscent of Scorsese’s Goodfella’s and Casino. However, writer – director David O. Russell brings something more to this fable by reuniting with the cast of his last two movies – Christian Bale and Amy Adams from the Fighter,  and Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence from the Silver Linings Playbook. Fans of comedian Louis C.K will be pleased to see him on the big screen as fastidious FBI boss Stoddard Thorsen.

This strong cast means the film is more than just a simple homage to previous crime capers. Christen Bale brings another amazing performance and again demonstrates his ability to metamorphose physically into any given role. The film alone might be worth watching just to see Bale’s character con-artist Irving Rosenfeld build his elaborate comb over. Jennifer Lawrance as Bale’s unstable wife Rosalyn ,steals a substantial chunk of screen thunder with her excellent performance. It comes as no surprise that this cast has already chalked up many nominations and wins at this year’s award ceremonies.

The film is helped along by an outstanding soundtrack that isn’t just there as clarifying the era, but acts as yet another character within the film sometimes helping narrate the scenes. The clever and witty script by Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell is the cream filling in this entertaining and brilliantly acted film.

An excellent con-man escapade with an explosion of 70’s nostalgia.

Reviewed by Ian Wright and Ingrid Grenar

 

4 stars -

 

 

 

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