American Hustle

From The Feet Up

            There are silk shirts, crushed-velvet coats, hair styles with no shame at all, and low cut shirts that do not quit. David O'Russell is at it again as he holds the reins of this year's best ensemble cast. The Sting (1973) has found its rival of corruption but is met with the comedy and period-fun of 1978. American Hustle is chock full of glamor and con-artistry that is only completed by acting at a top notch level. The complexity of a scandal such as this requires an attention to detail that truly delivers and then goes down smooth leaving the buzz that lingers.

            Irving (Christian Bale +50 lbs.) is a con man at the top of his craft. He keeps a dry cleaning business in his back pocket and has a comb-over that takes just as much managing as his thriving affairs; somehow, he still makes it all look so easy. His main squeeze (Amy Adams) switches back and forth from an elegant British accent to a fast, conniving New Jersey emphasis that is the only thing breaking the concentration of her "cleavaged" dresses. This duo pretty much steals the show with their passionate dialogue and they seem to get lost in each other's drive for "success," however it may come. They serve as the main focus until they have a run in with FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) who figures out he can use their talents for the betterment of more than just themselves. Also, his hairdo cannot be ignored and Bradley Cooper is probably the only person who can make hair curlers cool. Then, in comes the mayor of Camden, New Jersey, the crowd-pleasing Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) sporting his pompadour that would make Roy Orbison croon. His love for his city gets him involved in the scam of the year. When heads are turned certain ways, anything can happen and different players can slip in and out of the picture.

            With a lesser role but equal impact is Jennifer Lawrence as Irving's wife (that's right, I said it--wife). She brings in the same intensity as she did alongside Bradley Cooper in David O'Russell's Silver Linings Playbook (2012). She is nothing short of electrifying and takes a hold of every scene she is in, per usual. She adds a spiteful snarl behind her lovely eyes and does what she wants when she wants. A consecutive Oscar nod may be in her near future.

            David O'Russell can add charm and elegance to any serious moment and continues to do so this time around. His cast never lets up in complimenting each other giving you the desire of what could happen next. When the name of the game is Hustle, there are only an infinity of options you can have. J-Law may not be the only one looking at an Academy nomination this March: Mr. Bale, thank you for setting the bar high once again. Grade: 8.5/10