Entertaining cast and electric storytelling makes 'Hustle' a winner

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2013)

from http://bbman94.wix.com/brandonsmoviecorner
The power of filmmaking; that is the proved power David O. Russell seems to have over his viewers. His last two Oscar nabbing films (The Fighter & Silver Linings Playbook) combined dramatic storytelling and comedy to us through strong characters with top notch actors. American Hustle; O Russell's newest film, delivers upon every aspect of filmmaking, giving us a gripping comedy with fantastic performances. American Hustle will no doubt 'hussle' for the golden statues this year; and other nominees better beware.
The movie moves at an electric pace, jumping to and from different character arcs. We are introduced to plenty of great faces, but our main heroes are daring con artists Irving Rosenfield (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser. (Amy Adams) Their affair is heartbreaking and their performances are phenomenal; leaving you wanting no more or less out of their characters. They are eventually forced to team up with hot headed Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) who is an out of control FBI agent trying to take his biggest case yet; bringing down powerful political figure Carmine Polito. (Jeremy Renner) DiMaso's eagerness in the act leaves all of our characters with major problems and the movie becomes a stimulating narrative with surprises around every turn. By the time you've thought you've had your fun, Jennifer Lawrence enters the scene as Rosalyn Rosenfield; Irving's pretentious, loud mouthed, b**** of a wife who adds extra tension to the story and even after all of the stuff she does you still root for her to come out okay in the end.
All around American Hustle was a fantastic film, easily one of the best of the year. It delivers well on dramatic storytelling, light hearted comedy, and stellar, Oscar worthy performances. Amy Adams and Christian Bale stood out the most to me, and the supporting cast was great. American Hustle was definitely another superb ensemble film from David O. Russell and his talents; and his newest film was so good that I already want to sit down and relive it again.