A SHORT review of the film (for a change)

Rating: 5/10 (22 March 2014)

The performances in "American Hustle" were fine. It was competently directed and didn't beat us over the head by constantly screaming "it's the 70s!" But it didn't really serve the movie to stretch what should have been 30 minutes into 90. We don't need to worry about learning about the characters because their voice-overs give us that info.
After the first 1:30, it does pick up a bit, but other than not knowing the exact details of how things are going to unfold, we're TOLD that things have been set into motion. There are no surprises in how these play out, and at the end you're just thinking, "meh."
Take care.