American Hustle

"American Hustle" reeks of the 1970's. Everything from the costumes to the hairstyles to the soundtrack which ranges from Tom Jones to Wings. Director David O. Russell continues his hot streak and brings together a dream team cast that combines to make one of the most misleading, yet immensely entertaining films of the year.

"American Hustle" is the basis of a true story wrapped around in fiction (think Titanic). Set around the real life "Abscam" scandal of the 1970's. Christian Bale and Amy Adams are the two con artists who've mastered this scheme involving counterfeit art dealings as well as using bribery to bring in New Jersey powerbrokers (mafia) and corrupt politicians. When a hot wired FBI agent played gloriously by Bradley Cooper infiltrates the scam the con goes to a whole new level and can be brought down by their own bullshit as well as Bale's unhinged wife played by current Hollywood darling Jennifer Lawrence. "American Hustle" draws comparisons to past films but is most notably an offspring of Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas".

With arguably the best movie trailer of the year "American Hustle" opens with countless awards buzz as well as high "must see" status from both film aficionados and Joe the Plumber and his wife. The biggest misconception coming in the pre release buzz is that this is a comedy, while there are definitely dark funny moments "American Hustle" is better appreciated as a crime drama. Following "The Fighter" and my pick for best film of 2012 "Silver Linings Playbook", director David O. Russell goes in a somewhat different direction then he did in his previous two films. There is a great comfort here between the director and his 4 leading actors, this comes as no surprise as both Adams and Bale were nominated for Oscars for their turns in "The Fighter" (Bale won) and Cooper and Lawrence both nominated for "Silver Linings" (Lawrence won). Because of some slow character development scenes early on I can't say that "American Hustle" is the best film of the year, however it is definitely in the top 10 and the cast's performances make it easily far and away the best performance based film and each of the four and good bets for Oscar nominations in the lead and supporting actor fields.

Cooper especially runs circles around his fellow actors here, echoing whispers of classic 70's Pacino as FBI agent Richie Dimaso. Going deeper and deeper into the con, as well as getting involved with Adam's character further unhinges Cooper's character and we get some great scenes, especially between Cooper and his boss played in a great small role by comedian Louis CK. Bale, trades the batsuit for extra pounds and the comb over to end all comb overs as lead con man Irving Rosenfeld disappears into his role which is not half as flashy as Cooper's but you actually forget that its Christian Bale you are watching.

Amy Adams as former stripper turned "British" financial advisor Sydney Prosser turns in yet another stellar supporting performance, this time with the help of 70's glam, her wardrobe becomes apart of her performance and one would be hard pressed to find another such performance this year. Jennifer Lawrence, looking like a young Ellen Barkin is absolutely in her own category here asIrving's bored housewife Roslyn. Her role here is pretty minor even in supporting actor terms yet every time she is on screen the movie becomes that much more interesting. Highlights include her take on the risks involving "Science ovens" and a performance of "Live and Let Die" while wearing dishwashing gloves. Lost under these 4 powerhouse performances is the 5th lead, a good-hearted yet corrupt New Jersey mayor played by Jeremy Renner. Renner, a good actor does a good job here but even with a poof hair do that would make Snooki jealous gets lost in the shuffle other than a great confrontation scene between him and Bale's character.

As stated earlier the biggest flaw with "American Hustle" are the character development scenes early in the film. While character development and introductions are necessary as the actors do such a good job with their roles the lengthy development is not needed. Once all that is finished this is where the movie really gets going. The film has narration by multiple characters which is again a tribute to "Goodfellas" though I would have liked to have had more of that, especially during the main con scene as it is so elaborate its almost dizzying.

"American Hustle" is going to divide viewers. The marketing campaign has been both the films best friend and worst enemy. What cannot be denied is the exclamatory performances that anchor the film as well as the entire vibe that the movie gives out. Director Russell has become such a director that his films have become event status features and will continue to incite great debates between moviegoers.