Some of this actually happened...

Rating: 8/10 (9 January 2015)

This is another one of those films I waited a long time to see after its initial release, no real reason, I mean I like all the actors, the directors, the idea. I guess I just got lazy at some point. Am glad to say that I have finally seen it and I am rather impressed.
Some of this actually happened Is the way this film introduces us to its world. From that moment on we are taken along into an underground world where underhand dealings and big amounts of money exchange hands between some nasty individuals. Irving Rosenfeld is a con artist who lives in the New Jersey area when he meets the very lovely Sydney Prosser the two form a strong friendship and realise that two heads are better than one. The pair go about the underworld wheeling and dealing until the one day they are caught by FBI agent Richie DiMaso in a loan scam. DiMaso convinces the pair into helping him catch some of the larger criminals in his city to be given a reduced sentence. The agreement is if they help him catch out four more criminals he will let them go
The plot is very clever the story in its entirety is very loosely based around the FBI's ABSCAM files from the 70's; this of course is when this film is set. An amazing soundtrack accompanies the film as well; I have to say I was really happy with some of the tunes featured throughout. The standouts though were by far the four main actors they were superb in their roles. I have read that a couple have been abused about being too over the top I didn't feel that at all. I loved everything about them, sure it was like watching a scene from Jersey Shore at times but it worked so well. Brilliant acting all around. Christian Bale (The Dark Knight, American Psycho)plays Irving Rosenfeld and is great, apparently he put on a lot of weight for the role; that is one thing I didn't feel was useful though, it didn't make him stand out any different at all, so I'm not sure why that happened. Amy Adams (Man of Steel, Enchanted) plays Sydney Prosser aka Lady Edith Greensly and again was brilliant in her role. Jennifer Lawrence ( The Hunger Games, X-Men: First Class)plays Rosalyn Rosenfeld and was easily the standout for me, she made this film, she really took the her character to the limit, loved seeing her in a different role to Katniss I think is what really helped her stand out for me if being honest. Bradley Cooper (The Hangover, Limitless) plays Richie DiMaso again he was great. I honestly can't say enough about these four in this film they were all so good together and really helped each other out.
I did find it a little longer than necessary and there was one very big plot hole, other than those two very insignificant things though I loved American Hustle. It's a film that has been made to be enjoyed. The director David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter) has done a fantastic job picking up the pieces of this film and delivering what he has.
Definitely worth watching, a great laugh, great music and some of the best lines from some very talented people.