Very Niche Movie about Character Development and Relationships

Rating: 8/10 (26 December 2013)

If you plan on seeing this film, do not expect to see one that is heavy on the plot. The plot for this film is used almost exclusively as a setting for the characters to interact.
With that being said, all of the characters become part of an intricate plot that is bigger than themselves, and David O. Russel does an incredible job of humanizing each of the players in this game. I found myself not looking forward to some "big bang" ending or intricate underlying twist like that of an Oceans flick, but awaiting the next interaction between conflicting characters and just how pathetic, comedic, humanizing, or intimate they can reveal themselves to be. It's a movie about strongly connected characters and how they will blindly step all over each other in order to achieve their goals. The entire cast is incredible at their roles and it's wonderful seeing such beautiful people playing such flawed, vulnerable, and believable characters.
If you go to this movie expecting an action-packed plot with a Hollywood ending, you will leave disappointed. If you go into the movie with an interest in the characters and their evolution throughout the film, you'll be delighted at every turn.