American Hustle - Just who hustled who?

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2014)

Truth be told, American Hustle was the one movie I was most excited to see this year. As is most of America, I am in LOVE with Jennifer Lawrence. Once again, she did not disappoint me - it was unbelievable this scene stealing vixen in American Hustle is the same young girl in Hunger Games - Catching Fire. She couldn't be more versatile. Or Sexy. Or Crazy. Or Conniving. Or Brilliant.
Director David O. Russell is at his finest - putting together a dream team - Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K., Shea Whigham and, in a brief but important appearance, Robert De Niro.
mirror mirror: Lawrence, Adams In a film the New York Film Critics Circle is calling this years BEST, American Hustle has city leaders and "low-lifes" running in the same circle. So what's new? Movies have shown that for years. What does Russell do that makes this feel so different? Well, let's start with his opening credit: "Some of this actually happened." Right away we begin watching for the "real moments", right away we are on the edge of our seats. In one interview, Bale talks about Russell telling the cast to use the script as a "guide" - so often times they are totally off script. Many of the best scenes in the movie are actually improvised. I think this is what makes it so brilliant - it is just so real.
The wardrobe and hairstyles are outstanding! The early scene in which Bale's character tends to his comb-over is as heartbreaking as it is disgusting. And don't worry, the soundtrack is just as sleazy.
Christian Bale is AMAZING. I was so in love with his character, I just wanted to take him home with me and take care of him. Poor baby....
Words can't even describe Rosalyn. Lawrence will walk away with the Oscar for this one. She is fantastic. And obsessed with smelling her nail polish - sweet n sour....
Bradley Cooper once again plays a man on the brink of a full-on Mental Breakdown. He is one of the good guys - but is so obsessed with bringing down the goons, you are just waiting for him to totally lose it. And that perm...man we love the perm...
And Amy Adams cleavage should have it's very own category.
Bottom line, American Hustle did not disappoint. It was a very fun ride through the 70s, and a good reminder that you shouldn't always believe what you think you see. Snakes come in all shapes and sizes...and sexes..