REVIEW: AMERICAN HUSTLE
The Golden Globe, SAG Awards and Critics Choice Awards have all gone nuts over a little David O. Russell picture called "American Hustle." Exceppt for Jeremy Renner, there isn't a cast member among those Big 3 that hasn't been up for something, probably taking into account that Renner's character, Carmine Polito, is the most upright/righteous among this stellar cast of rather deceptive con folk. So here's my job, to deliver to you good people: is "American Hustle" worth the hype, and the rivalry status it has against "12 Years a Slave" for the Best Picture race this January?
In a word, no. "American Hustle" is the more entertaining of the two, obviously, but it's nowhere near as accessible as director David O. Russell's proceeding, realistically charming romantic dramedy "Silver Linings Playbook." Its setting is the polyester, toupee, plunging neckline world of the 1970s. If "Hustle" and Russell did one thing right, it is the positively exceptional cast that comes to play:
Christian Bale is exceptional as Irving, the balding, obese lead of this deceptive, layered look at con artists in their element. With a perfect, perfectly obnoxious Bronx accent and a faux toupee. That's our opening shot if the film that establishes the greasy, conniving nature of our protagonist (antagonist? The world, as is said in the film, is very grey). Accompanying him is the film's other lead, the viciously sexy Amy Adams, playing Sydney Prosser, playing English Lady Edith Greensley. Here's a woman escaping her past as an erotic dancer, following into Irving's financial schemes and world of deception.
Supporting performances come in a smorgasbord of sizes; Bradley Cooper as a determined, rather sad role of an in-too-deep FBI agent that gets lost in his own quest for justice, the always engrossing Jennifer Lawrence as Irving's bored, unpredictable wife, who grows tired of coming in second to Adams' more mature con-woman. If anyone has a shot of Oscar gold it's her, if only because Actor and Actress races are extremely tight this year. Renner and all-time hero Louis C.K. also bring their A-game. Both characters seem meek in comparison to the capacity of deceit the other four possess, Renner the Jersey mayor and C.K. the head of Cooper's character's sting.
As I discussed the movie, the intricate plot featuring webs of the mob, an ersatz sheikh, nail polish and a science oven are all woven together, with not the clearest of exposition. Through talking it out I was thankfully able to unfold its several layers, but that can be something of a chore to do in the theater.
So I do understand Hollywood and the awards circuit drooling over "Hustle." It has today's hottest stars in 70s getup with electrifying music to cap off the time capsule effect. Perhaps I was searching for the movie's heart, but in retrospect, how could you with a plethora of folks so heartless?
Rating: 3/4 stars
In a word, no. "American Hustle" is the more entertaining of the two, obviously, but it's nowhere near as accessible as director David O. Russell's proceeding, realistically charming romantic dramedy "Silver Linings Playbook." Its setting is the polyester, toupee, plunging neckline world of the 1970s. If "Hustle" and Russell did one thing right, it is the positively exceptional cast that comes to play:
Christian Bale is exceptional as Irving, the balding, obese lead of this deceptive, layered look at con artists in their element. With a perfect, perfectly obnoxious Bronx accent and a faux toupee. That's our opening shot if the film that establishes the greasy, conniving nature of our protagonist (antagonist? The world, as is said in the film, is very grey). Accompanying him is the film's other lead, the viciously sexy Amy Adams, playing Sydney Prosser, playing English Lady Edith Greensley. Here's a woman escaping her past as an erotic dancer, following into Irving's financial schemes and world of deception.Supporting performances come in a smorgasbord of sizes; Bradley Cooper as a determined, rather sad role of an in-too-deep FBI agent that gets lost in his own quest for justice, the always engrossing Jennifer Lawrence as Irving's bored, unpredictable wife, who grows tired of coming in second to Adams' more mature con-woman. If anyone has a shot of Oscar gold it's her, if only because Actor and Actress races are extremely tight this year. Renner and all-time hero Louis C.K. also bring their A-game. Both characters seem meek in comparison to the capacity of deceit the other four possess, Renner the Jersey mayor and C.K. the head of Cooper's character's sting.
As I discussed the movie, the intricate plot featuring webs of the mob, an ersatz sheikh, nail polish and a science oven are all woven together, with not the clearest of exposition. Through talking it out I was thankfully able to unfold its several layers, but that can be something of a chore to do in the theater.
So I do understand Hollywood and the awards circuit drooling over "Hustle." It has today's hottest stars in 70s getup with electrifying music to cap off the time capsule effect. Perhaps I was searching for the movie's heart, but in retrospect, how could you with a plethora of folks so heartless?
Rating: 3/4 stars
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