All form, not enough substance

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2014)

I'm one of the minority who didn't really enjoy this movie all that much. The laughter and clapping at the viewing I went to (in Florida) surprised me. I actually fell asleep for about 15 minutes during the first half.
This is a movie that hinges on dialogue, character development, writing and setting. There were some amazing character-driven scenes in this movie. It's very strong on these points.
As everyone has noted, the acting was astonishing. I enjoyed these performances, just as I enjoyed the 70s music. I'm glad I've seen Jennifer Lawrence's unforgettable performance as Rosalyn Rosenfeld. However, I'm wondering about the casting of Bale and Renner. They both did excellent jobs, but what is the point of taking actors to these strange places?
I suppose part of my problem with this movie was that I simply didn't like these characters. All this talent and effort, just to show us the world of these unlikeable, pathetic people.
Also, this movie had themes I have little interest in. Small-time hustling, sting operations, New Jersey, political corruption, the mob. If I had known beforehand that these were the themes, I wouldn't have gone.
Despite the movie's strong points, especially the acting performances, I was never really engaged or moved by this movie. I can't rate it highly.