Not as great as it could have been

Rating: 7/10 (23 February 2014)

American Hustle is the latest project from Hollywood's recent rising director, David O. Russel. I wanna start by saying that I loved both The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook. This was supposed to be Russel's step to something even greater, with perhaps a best director and best picture win at the Oscars. I'm sadden to say that this isn't that movie. Although it has grown into a major contender, it will probably walk away with few awards or even empty ended. As far as the movie goes, one of the things I enjoyed the most was Christian Bale's performance of this con man. Bale gives a stylistic feel to his character and is by far the richer in the film. Amy Adams also gives a good performance as well, and Bradley Cooper and Jeremy Renner are solid. I am a huge fan of Lawrence, and while she showed yet again her maturity in the role, she could have brought more to the table. Despite its cool imagery and decent performances, American Hustle fails on one important issue and that is its plot. The premise is good, but the plot is basically unattached to the con world and all its tactics. It misses the key element to fully entertain given its genre and I for one am a a little disappointed in this.
Rating 7/10