Review of American Hustle (2013) by Caroline P — 21 Jul 2015

Great fun due to the completely committed performances from the entire cast, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I've seen too much of this before. Take the time period of Casino, the gleeful corruption of Goodfellas, James Caan in The Godfather (whom Bradley Cooper is clearly channeling), and the older sister of Jennifer Lawrence's character from Silver Lining's Playbook (she's essentially the same person here, just with a child added and a basically nonexistent backstory) and you have most of American Hustle laid out.

The story is fascinating but suffers from a lack of forward momentum. Things often stop on a dime to let the actors chew the scenery, which more often than not, gives us the most memorable scenes in the film.

Amy Adams is perfection, simultaneously being the most confident and the most vulnerable character in the entire film. Bradley Cooper is entertainingly volatile. Jennifer Lawrence is great as always and can play beautifully sad and neurotic characters like hers in her sleep.

Jeremy Renner is competent and likable. Christian Bale is the one weak link, a black hole of charisma with mumbly dialogue and little to no redeeming qualities. You'll come to watch David O. Russell attempt to out-Scorsese Scorsese, but you'll stay for Amy Adams and her radiant performance.