American Bloggle

American Hustle (2014) | Trailer
Run Time: 138 Minutes
Rated: R (For pervasive language, some sexual content, and brief violence – MPAA)
Directed By: David O. Russell

Morgan:
Let me preface this review by saying I think I had somewhat high expectations going into this movie. There are things I really liked about this movie. There are things I didn’t like about this movie. I don’t like Amy Adams. But that’s just me. Everyone else, with the exception of maybe Bradley Cooper, did seriously awesome work; it’s impressive considering sometimes films with high billed casts result in awful disappointments. Bale was the unsurprising, although slightly unattractive, shining star of the film. American Hustle is an enticing story with a plot that continues to twist and turn and keep you interested until the very end.
Recommendation: Be prepared to laugh. Be prepared to be unsure if you should laugh or be disturbed. If you’ve seen Silver Linings Playbook, you know what I mean. Also, Louis C.K., always a plus.
Rating: 4/5

Bryson:
A movie about greed and conning, American Hustle shows both the short-term benefits and long-term consequences of cheating others. David O. Russell and co-writer Eric Singer create a clever, humorous, and especially audacious film that will hook you from the very first scene. While those qualities reign true, at the same time those can be contradicted with a sometimes complex and out of control storyline. What overshadows those flaws is its blockbuster cast. Basically The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook put into one (both directed by Russell), American Hustle boasts a cast of Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, and Robert De Niro. All are great but Bale is better and he gives us another Oscar-worthy performance and reminds us of what great acting looks like. American Hustle, despite its few flaws, draws us in and gives us something to enjoy. Russell directs yet another go-to movie and has firmly planted himself among the current Hollywood greats.
Recommendation: If you appreciate great acting and like David O. Russell’s previous work, see it. If not, still see it at some point.
Rating: 4.5/5

Kurtis:
American Hustle is the best movie of 2013 in my opinion. I’ve come to expect nothing less from director David O. Russell (save for I Heart Huckabees, I’m sorry, but blegh) who is becoming stronger with every film. For me, though, the experience of American Hustle hinges completely on the performance of Christian Bale, who completely transform himself for this film and delivers something so different, yet no less brilliant, than what we saw in the Dark Knight Trilogy. American Hustle is a perfect blend of drama and comedy, engaging the viewer from start to finish. Like me, you’ll find yourself rooting for and against the “bad guys.”
Recommendation:  This ensemble cast delivers the performance of the year, backed by an impeccably written script, and will keep you glued all the way through. It’s a must see.
Rating: 4.5/5

Jordan:
Wow. What a crazy movie. I was never really sure who to root for. Do I want Christian Bale to get caught? I know I do want someone to beat the ish out of Bradley Cooper’s character. And was it necessary for Amy Adams to have such a terrible English accent for half the movie? BUT beyond all that, it’s entertaining. There’s drugs, fights, money, awesome clothes, politicians smoking indoors, and at least three love triangles. You won’t get bored, to say the least.
(Side note: Louis C.K.’s character is worth the price of the ticket.)
Recommendation: If it wins Golden Globe for Best Comedy (I’m surprised it’s considered that), see it in theaters. If not, wait for the DVD.
Rating: 3.5/5

AGGREGATE RATING: 4.1/5