An Engaging And Energetic Crime Film

Rating: 10/10 (16 April 2014)

American Hustle is a comedy-drama of a crime genre that is loosely based on the FBI ABSCAM operation of the 1970's and 1980's.It features two interesting actor/actress pair - Amy Adams and Christian Bale - together with another pair - Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper - that worked together in previously in Academy Award nominated films The Fighter and Silver Lining Playback respectively.The story is about two con artists that were forced to work with an FBI agent to capture a sting operation. David O. Russell directs.
During the 70's and the 80's,a ring of crooked deals were captured on video by the FBI at the backdrop of New Jersey.That led to almost a dozen arrests of U.S. senators, members of the U.S. House of Representatives and other politicians.Ambitious FBI agent Richie DiMaso forces the aid of the a con artists pair:Irving Rosenfeld, a small-time criminal who deals in stolen and faked art as well as fake loan scams; and his seductive British partner Sydney Prosser,who is also known as Lady Edith Greensly. The pair are forced to assist the FBI in nabbing other con artists and crooks in the area after being caught in one of his cons by DiMaso. When a chain of evidence mounts that leads towards corruption in the office of Mayor Carmine Polito, DiMaso concocts a scam that will ultimately bring down many politicians that includes Polito himself.Disgusted by their forced employment with DiMaso after he discovers mob ties that may ultimately lead to his own death,Irving and his partner make a ploy to begin a scheme of their own to get out from it.What makes matters worse is the fact that Irving's wife,Rosalyn tries desperately to retain Irving's affection and attention by constantly interfering with him.
This is definitely one of the best films during its year of release.The performances of Bale,Adams,Cooper and most especially Lawrence are definitely great and memorable.They played their characters interestingly and passionately as they were able to switch from comedy to drama with ease.Also,they obviously researched their characters very well.No wonder that all of them were nominated for an Oscar.Added to that,the movie has lots of fun and energy as it was engaging from beginning to end.Added to that,the killer 70's soundtrack definitely made it enjoyable as well.Despite lacking intelligence and the unevenness of the story,the viewer will definitely get their money's worth with the heartwarming performances of the lead stars alone.