American Hustle (M)
Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner
AMERICAN Hustle’s biggest failing is that it doesn’t live up to the hype.
A darling of the critics, the crime/comedy caper has a stellar cast and more Oscar buzz than any other film this year, with the resulting effect that audiences expect one of the all-time great films.
Well, it ain’t. But it still makes for a very enjoyable visit to the cinema.
The strongest part of the film is the acting and the atmosphere.
Set in New York in the 1970s and early ’80s, the film revolves around a pair of shysters played by Christian Bale and Amy Adams.
When they eventually fall foul of the law, ambitious FBI agent Bradley Cooper manipulates them into capturing crooks further up the food chain.
Eventually, they bring down a New Jersey mayor played by Jeremy Renner, but there is a sting in the tale of how it all unfolds.
The film is long, sometimes confusing and sometimes simply unbelievable.
The final “hustle” is a letdown, barely registering on the twist-o-meter.
Despite all these failings, it is a film that wins over audiences through sheer charm and a sense of fun.
The actors are universally superb, with special mention to Jennifer Lawrence who steals the show as the semi-estranged wife of Christian Bale’s Irving.
From the opening scene, where Irving constructs an outrageously elaborate comb-over, this is a film that will keep a smile on your face in between regular belly laughs.
Don’t take it too seriously and this could be one of the best films you will see in 2014.
– Danny Buttler
