Laughs, Tension and Twists

Rating: Null/10 (13 January 2014)

American Hustle (2013)
**** (out of 4)
David O. Russell's story of a con artist couple (Christian Bale, Amy Adams) who are forced to work with a FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) to try and bring down a mayor (Jeremy Renner) taking illegal money to try and build up Atlantic City. The only problem is that the agent decides to go after some even higher rollers. If you take THE STING and mix it with GOODFELLAS you're going to end up with this film and under the loving care of Russell and the terrific performances you're really left with a true gem of a film. There are so many wonderful elements to this film but I think the greatest thing has to be the screenplay, which constantly leaves you guessing as to where the next twist is going to come from yet it never out smarts itself and it certainly never gets too confusing for those watching. Russell has proved himself as someone who can take a worn out genre and make it seem fresh and original. He did this recently with boxing (THE FIGHTER) and oddball romance (SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK) and he's done it again here. You really do get the feel that you're watching a film taking place in the 70s as the atmosphere is just perfect, the cinematography flawless and the music selections are just brilliantly used. Of course it also helps that you've got such a stellar cast and everyone of them doing excellent work. This includes Bale who is just simply amazing at the way he can transform himself into any role no matter how big or small. There's not a single frame of this film where you don't believe he's this character. Then you've got Adams and Cooper doing some of the strongest work of their career and the same can be said for Renner. Then there's Jennifer Lawrence in a small but very important role as the rather dimwitted wife. How many times have we seen the dumb wife role? Countless times but Russell and Lawrence bring a fresh and original take here. There's also a surprise cameo that I won't ruin for those not wanting to know it but man is it powerful. American HUSTLE is without question one of the best films of the year and it's also a perfect example of being able to mix laughs with slick twists and some tense drama.