Everybody Hustles to Survive

Rating: 8/10 (9 January 2014)

"Some of the stuff depicted in this film actually happened," or something to that effect, claims a title card at the beginning of "American Hustle," David O. Russell's tribute to small-time crooks and the men and women who love them.
People are referring to the film as a screwball comedy, but it's not. I'm also noticing a lot of Internet hate directed at the film, with people referring to it as a narrative mess, too light and fluffy, not as good as they were hoping it would be. I don't think it's a great film, and not even Russell's best (that honor belongs to "I Heart Huckabees" for me), but I don't know why people hate it so much, as if the film has personally betrayed them in some way. It's very good and engaging, with excellent performances across the board. Amy Adams, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence each delivers a memorable, indelible characterization that grows in richness the longer you let the film linger in your head, proving once again David O. Russell's expertise in directing crackerjack ensembles.
I have a feeling that much of the vitriol leveled at "American Hustle" has to do with the fact that it's considered to be a serious contender at this year's upcoming Academy Awards and might provide films like "12 Years a Slave" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" with some stiff competition. But I'd certainly rather watch this film a second time before again subjecting myself to either Steve McQueen's or Martin Scorsese's endurance tests. Give me a lighter weight film any day over an "important" slog.
Grade: A-