American Hustle

Brilliant conman Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) partners with equally intelligent ex-stripper Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) in love and crime. During the day, the duo sell empty investments and stolen art. At night, Irving returns to Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), his beautiful time bomb of a wife, and Danny, his adopted son. Eventually, Irving and Sydney are busted by a FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), who pushes them into entrapping a slew of politicians and mobsters in order to make a name for himself. This new world is filled with enchanting dangers that may have the con-couple in over their heads. Based on a true American scandal.

American Hustle
Directed by David O Russell
Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence
My Opinion: funny and morally confusing. What's not to like?

This movie is fantastic. It's hilarious, vibrant, fast-paced and aglow with the incredibly talented ensemble. While each actor paints a bold and detailed picture of their respective character, it's hard not to favorite Jennifer Lawrence. The movie is hers.

The most fascinating element of the movie is the dynamic between good and evil ornamented with fifty shades of gray. Aside from Stoddard Thorsen, DiMaso's level headed boss (Louis C.K.) there are is no cemented moral standing. Irving, Sydney and the others are all doing what they feel that they need to in order to survive. Some would say that all of the characters are downright despicable, but how they still manage to remain so likable is beyond me.

I will close by reminding you that I really did not like Silver Linings Playbook. This film shares the same director and two of the leads, but the content is radically different. Rather than a film that involves Bradley Cooper whining during its entirety, this one presents an array of politically and sexually charged conflicts laced with deceit and savvy. I dig it.