American Hustle

Reviews from the Dark Side presents
     American Hustle
Released 12/13/13, now in theaters

American Hustle is David O. Russell's latest comedy that reunites Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence from last year's critically acclaimed Silver Linings Playbook.  In addition to Cooper and Lawrence, an all-star cast has been assembled with Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K., and Robert DeNiro in an uncredited role.

 The usual problem with following a movie as successful and acclaimed as Silver Linings Playbook is avoiding the obligatory comparisons to your monster hit.  While I didn't like American Hustle as much, it's another great effort from Russell who continues his incredible hot streak.

American Hustle is based on some true events from the 1970s.  Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) is a small-time businessman and master con-artist.  He meets his soulmate  in former stripper and fellow con-artist, Sydney Prosser (Adams) at a party and the two soon become lovers. Of course, the affair chafes Irving's loud, shrew of a wife, Rosalyn (Lawrence).  Irving, however, refuses to divorce Rosalyn for fear that she will take their son away, who Irving has adopted. 

Irving and Sydney run a successful con game embezzling money from their various marks and attract the attention of FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Cooper), who poses as one the marks to get close to the duo.  In exchange for not busting them, Richie enlists their aid to take down four other con artists.

 What follows is a scheme that causes the ambitious and greedy Richie to aim for the big fish in Congress who are not immune to taking bribes when Irving involves Carmine Polito (Renner), the mayor of Camden, New Jersey, in the plot.  Carmine is generally a good man who is desperate to bring Las Vegas-style gambling casinos to Atlantic City adding much needed revenue to the city.  Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to obtain funding.  An elaborate plot involving a faux-sheik and notorious gangster, Victor Tellegio (DeNiro), ensues that threatens get Irving and Sydney violently killed if they can't figure out a way to extract themselves from all the players involved.

It's hard for a movie to go wrong with this type of cast, but it has happened.  See Dead Man Down and Seven Psychopaths if you don't believe me.  All of the main players in American Hustle perform admirably, but I have to say again the standout here is Lawrence.  I've said that quite a few times lately.  But I say it because it's true.  Rosalyn has some of the best comedic scenes in the film. Honestly, this is a woman who takes credit for her husband's moment of clarity in devising a way to extract himself from the mob and FBI after her loose lips nearly get him killed. 

American Hustle is a fun time if a bit overlong for my tastes.  Russell does something that isn't always easy.  He deftly blends comedy and drama in a way where one doesn't overshadow the other.  I know I've complained about this very thing when it comes to other directors wishing they would pick a lane.  Russell transitions so seamlessly, so naturally.  In some directors' hands, the transition feels like speed bump.

I didn't find American Hustle quite as fun as Russell's last outing, but that's not a downgrade of the film.  It would have been difficult for it to top my love of Silver Linings Playbook.  But nevertheless, American Hustle is a must-see during this holiday season.

The Dark Lord of the Sith says:

*** 3/4 stars


Ratings Legend
Zero *= Don't waste your time. Pure dreck! Dreck is too good for this! Blind me please!
1 *= Fuggedaboutit!
2 *= Average, Mediocre, Nothing Special
3 *= Good viewing. Much better than a poke in the eye.
4 *= Great. Could possibly foot the price of a non-Matinee.
5 *= Pure eye candy. Hall of Fame material here.