A great Scorsese imitation

Rating: 9/10 (31 December 2013)

David O. Russell does Scorsese, and he does it pretty damn well. Christian Bale stars as a con artist who, along with his girlfriend, Amy Adams, is forced by FBI agent Bradley Cooper to work for him. He wants to use their talent at scamming to rope in bigger targets, and he sets his eyes on Camden, New Jersey mayor Jeremy Renner, who wants to get gambling legalized in New Jersey. Bale and Adams have little choice but to go along with it, but waiting in the wings is Bale's loudmouth wife, Jennifer Lawrence, who keeps trying to horn her way into their shenanigans and ruin the whole plan. The story here - which is based on real events, at least somewhat - isn't the greatest, but the film is an absolute tour de force, bolstered by some truly brilliant performances and an assured hand behind the camera. There isn't a better cast this year. In addition to the four I've listed, comedian Louis C.K. is just brilliant in the deadpan role of Cooper's disapproving boss. The film is funny and just plain fun. I think the final twist is kind of predictable, and it kind of limps to the end, but this is great stuff.