Great flick

Rating: 8/10 (1 January 2014)

This is really a solid picture.
All the performances were brilliant, but especially those of Bale and Renner. I have never seen either of them in roles such as these, and to me they were the most believable, at times crazy organic, characters that stole the show. Bale in the very least should get an Oscar nomination. Renner is so damn good, it was refreshing to see him step away from the action flicks. Even the minor players did a fantastic job, including Louis CK adding a surprisingly amazing acting performance. We know he's funny, but who knew he could act! Listen, the story is great. I had all my questions answered and nothing was left on the table. Yes, the story is a little lazy in some points, slow in others, but those few moments didn't distract from the environment that you were drawn into. Great script and direction.
I guess my only gripe holding me at an 8 out of 10 stars was the performances of Cooper and Lawrence. Don't get me wrong, they were both really great, but their performances felt at times a bit copycat. Cooper didn't bring anything new to the role, I felt like I had seen him play this role a dozen times (look at his body of work before you disagree). There were even a few moments where I felt like he was trying too hard. Lawrence was the same for me. I understand she has an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, and that was well deserved, but this time she bit off more she can chew. Her character was inconsistent with her accent, and along with her Silver Linings costar Cooper, her performance at times felt forced and unbelievable. There is one particular scene where Lawrence and Bale are fighting in their kitchen that will make you cringe. She goes way over the top, making it cheesy. Thankfully, Bale kept the scene together, which is why I am sure it didn't end up on the 'cutting room floor'.
Amy Adams was solid and I found her to be as equally mesmerizing as she was visually stunning. The film is called American Hustle because you never are entirely sure who is hustling who, and to me Adams was the most convincing. You never knew whose side she was on.
Great art direction, wardrobe, and decent acting. The story was fun and interesting, and I am sure it will rake in some well-deserved awards.