Some of this actually happened. So what?

Rating: 8/10 (2 February 2014)

Only a year after the successful Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell delivered another comedy-drama. American Hustle is overall a good film but it's a step down for Russell because it's not as original or entertaining as Silver Linings Playbook or The Fighter. Russell's and Eric Warren Singer's screenplay has two interesting characters. They're Rosalyn Rosenfeld and Carmine Polito. Jeremy Renner, playing Carmine, is likable as usual in his role. He brightens the proceedings every time he's on screen, and it's not only because of his hair and suit. Renner is definitely one of the best and most charismatic actors in Hollywood. Jennifer Lawrence, playing Rosalyn, is really the star of the film. Like Amy Adams she wears a number of revealing dresses but, unlike Adams, she's young and she looks like a hottie in them. As to be expected her acting is excellent, but she's also the focus of the film's humor. The other three leads in the film are less interesting characters. However, they've been given the most screen time. I consider Christian Bale to be a good actor. He's just not an outstanding actor. Sure, he takes his work very seriously and he has been very effective in some of his roles. But in American Hustle he doesn't bring much charm to Irving Rosenfeld. Russell's screenplay doesn't help because Irving is neither likable or interesting. The screenplay also suffers from a lack of originality. It recalls Fargo (1996) and Goodfellas (1990). There are clever or funny lines here and there but overall it's not that interesting or well-meaning. Its real strength is in its outlandish characters. Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper have the same problems as Bale. Adams does a good job portraying Sydney's emotions though, and Cooper infuses Richard with his usual energy. I'm not a fan of Russell's direction or Linus Sandgren's cinematography. American Hustle is an intelligent film but it's just not that compelling. The story and the characterization needed to be better. I think that Jennifer Lawrence should have had a bigger part, just like in Silver Linings Playbook. I recommend American Hustle. My recommendation isn't enthusiastic though.