American Hustle Review (No Spoilers)

Well, we're getting into awards season (Golden Globes and Oscars plus various others), so we're starting to get a few more dramas and overall award bait films coming through. I don't get to catch them all at the cinema, but I try to when I can. American Hustle is one such film. Director David O. Russell last gave us the excellent Silver Linings Playbook. He has cast two of his stars in that film to be part of this ensemble crime/drama/comedy with satisfying results. 

We've got Bale, Adams, Cooper and Lawrence firing on all cylinders here. Christian Bale really could be the most dedicated actor in the game. He'll thin down to sickening levels for some roles, beef up to play The Dark Knight, and then pile it on to play a fat hustler. It helps that he is also a great actor. He nails his performance here, as per usual. He's kind of the anti-hero in this film - a bad guy, but a good one too. Amy Adams is sultry as fuck in this. Oh my god, those cleavage baring outfits were heaven sent - oh, and her acting chops are top class as well. Cooper is probably the least talented of the bunch, but he's still quite good - he is certainly developing as an actor in some quite meaty roles. In fact, the intensity and chemistry between Cooper and Adams in some scenes was electric.  Jennifer Lawrence, well, what can I say, she is a showstopper. Such talent from a young actress. And man, does she play a bitch in this.

Cooper plays an FBI agent wanting to nail a supposedly shady politician, and essentially blackmails Bale and Adams into helping pull off a con (hustle). There are some hilarious moments, real gritty dramatic ones, and a highly enjoyable tone throughout the whole film. The 70's setting is well done, with a soundtrack that is just so catchy - I want that tracklisting. 

Overall, this is satisfying cinema, with a cast and story that is very engaging and occasionally quite tense. Probably not as good as Silver Linings for me, but still well worth it. 

Rating:

4 out of 5.