'American Hustle' A Review

American Hustle is a crime dramedy loosely based on the 1978 ABSCAM operation. The plot is not confusing but describing it most certainly would be. Going into this film I knew almost nothing about it, thanks for the most part to the short length of the trailers and the lack of dialogue within them, and it affirms my belief that the less you know about a film the greater your enjoyment will be.

Across the board the performances are incredible bolstered by a tight, electric script. Christian Bale and Amy Adams put in two marvelously inspired turns as con-artists in love. Their chemistry is fascinating and the love they portray for each other is more engaging and believable then most romances. The individual characterizations are so densely layered it immediately encourages repeated viewing. They find humor, drama, heartbreak, despair, determination, joy, charm, sensuality, spite, shrewdness- they hit all the notes. The leads are rounded out by Bradley Cooper in his most ambitious and successful performance to date and Jennifer Lawrence in her first turn as a heel. If there is one flaw in the film it is Lawrence's accent- it comes and goes. The supporting cast is lead by excellent turns from Jeremy Renner and Louis C.K. who make an already great movie vibrant and balanced.

A great script which allows four great actors to put in four delirious, melodic performances.

Don't Miss It.