American Hustle – review

American Hustle is the dark comedy crime movie about the FBI ABSCAM operation in the late 1970s.  The actors do a great job playing colorful characters.  With an astounding soundtrack, the movie really does a fun job keeping the look of the 70s and 80s.  The story is fun and entertaining with its mix of narrators and compelling characters. 

Con-artists Irving and Sydney, played by Christian Bale and Amy Adams, have a great scam going until FBI agent Richard DiMaso, played by Bradley Cooper, catches them in the act.  They need to help Richard catch corrupt politicians with their con-skills to avoid prison time.  Eventually they are weaving lies and making enemies.  Meanwhile, the relationship between Irving and his unstable wife Rosalyn, played by Jennifer Lawrence, is causing problems. 

The acting is really good and displays the skills of all the actors involved. It is a character piece and everyone is very memorable in his or her look, dialogue, and outfits. American Hustle keeps a grip on the generation it is trying to portray without being too over-the-top.  Christian Bale is hilarious and wildly fun and Jennifer Lawrence is fantastic at being crazy and yet brining vulnerability to the role. 

American Hustle is a very entertaining movie. With a kicking 70s soundtrack, great acting, and a story that is very charming, I recommend seeing it. If you enjoy movies like The Silver Linings Playbook where the humor is somewhat dark and the subject material is some times a bit cerebral, this movie will be right up your alley.  There is a lot of charm and fun to this movie and it is certainly worth the time.  Give it a watch it you have a chance.