competent but derivative

Rating: 6/10 (28 December 2013)

This gets a pass, but only because I didn't feel like walking out after 20 minutes, like I normally do when I make the mistake of going to see a movie. Some are comparing American Hustle to Goodfellas - this comparison is plain redundant. The problem is that it has none of the panache and (controlled) manic energy of the Scorcese classic, therefore its attempt at pastiche is a failure, and it ends up just being painfully derivative. However, this does not prevent the director from indulging in a woefully egotistical self-reference regarding a forgery of a Rembrandt painting. The line goes something like "Who is the master, the painter of the original, or the forger?", ie "Who is the master here, Scorsese....or ME?" (!!!). The use of music is too deliberate, and falls easily into the 'soundtrack in search of a movie' category. We're also a bit tired of over the top depictions of 1970's fashion, hairstyles, etc. Overall,a rather klunky piece of self-indulgence.