American Hustle

Word of mouth was that this was hotter than Death Valley so I sneaked it in before the end of the year anticipating that it was going to be crashing into my top ten best films of the year. Sadly, like all con tricks, the end result isn't quite what you anticipated. This is still decent fare, but its more of a character study as opposed to anything to get the brain cells swimming. When FBI agent DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) catches grifters Irving (Christian Bale) and Sydney (Amy Adams) in a scam, he offers them their freedom if they help him to ensnare some bigger fish. Complications ensue when romance rears its head, especially in the form of Irving's green eyed monster of a wife (Jennifer Lawrence). Director David O. Russell has surrounded himself with talent he has used before, which might explain why the performances here aren't up to what you would expect. Bale gives his weakest performance for a while (he seems unsure as to who his character is meant to be) and Lawrence can't cope in the many improvised scenes (her facial expression is one of thinking about what to say next). Other negatives include the too slow beginning, Adams' English accent (it comes and goes so much that when she "reveals" her real accent at a crucial moment of the film you'll be somewhat confused as to what has just happened) and the short scene following Lawrence dancing around wearing marigolds should never have made it to the final cut. The twist at the end is decent, but hardly earth shattering, especially as only a few minutes previously one of the characters revealed they "have a plan". Two things save this though. Cooper's barnstorming performance as the cop slowly starting to go round the bend is arguably his best work and the script has some nice comic moments (Irving and his wife's confusion and reluctance on receiving their first ever microwave), including a great running gag concerning a family story from DiMaso's boss (Louis C K - confirming his status as one of the best character actors around). This was originally titled American Bullshit, which though clearly tongue in cheek does sum up the frustration you may feel at a film that doesn't deliver as much as it promises. Finally, the 70's set up means it's a competition between Cooper, Bale, Adams, Lawrence as to who can reveal the most chest. Good news boys, Adams is the winner. Rating: 7/10.