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PLOT: Irving Rosenfield (Christian Bale) is a small-time con artist, scamming a few thousand here and there from gullible marks. When he’s busted- along with his beautiful accomplice and lover (Amy Adams) by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) the two are forced into helping bust a crooked politician (Jeremy Renner) whose deeds soon lead them into a sting operation that could bust members of congress and the mob. REVIEW: A movie like AMERICAN HUSTLE has the potential to be a breakout hit along the lines of ARGO. It’s smart and sophisticated adult fare that’s good enough to jockey for major awards consideration, but is also entertaining and fun enough that it could (and should) be embraced by the same mainstream audiences that made that movie a $100 million dollar hit. It’s a strong follow-up to THE FIGHTER and SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK for director David O. Russell, even if it’s a thoroughly different kind of movie.
LOLA MONTEZ
VOLBEAT
OUTLAW GENTLEMEN AND SHADY LADIES
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BY AND DOWN
A PERFECT CIRCLE
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ADRENALINE
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STONE TEMPLE PILOTS W/ CHESTER BENNINGTON HIGH RISE
Christian Bale’s Irv Rosenfield is our “hero” here, being a sleazy con somewhat redeemed by his love for Adams - his alluring cohort, and his adopted son, mothered by Jennifer Lawrence in a scene-stealing turn. Sporting an elaborate comb over- the process of its construction lovingly detailed in the first scene- and a big gut, Bale’s Irv is outrageous but always likable. However, while Bale looks like a clown, he’s actually playing the character with the biggest heart, and when the film takes a serious turn, it’s Bale whose performance is truly affecting. Meanwhile, Bradley Cooper’s performance is along the same lines as his manic character from SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, only given a more narcissistic and dangerous edge. Perhaps trying to outdo Bale’s comb over, Cooper sports a perm that makes him look like a chia pet, and seems to be having the time of his life as the zonked-out Richie. Cooper’s hilarious as Richie gets wilder and wilder as the film goes on, and some of the best scenes in the movie deal with his interactions with his out-witted, nice-guy superior (played by Louis C.K). Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence are also both excellent here. Adams has certainly never looked better as the alluring Sydney aka Lady Edith, who adopts a haughty English accent and various cleavage revealing dresses to pull in her marks. This is really one of Adams’ best performances ever, and if anyone deserves an Academy Award nomination, it’s her. Meanwhile, Lawrence chews the scenery as Bale’s insane trophy wife, and steals every scene she’s in. She’s both terrifying and sexy throughout. Like the best period movies, the music of AMERICAN HUSTLE plays a big part in setting the film’s mood, and there are terrific set-pieces score with both period hits like Elton John’s ‘Goodbye Yellow-Brick Road’ and Donna Summer’s ‘I Feel Love’, while other, deeper cuts prove O. Russell’s not just digging out all the old well-worn tunes. Truly, AMERICAN HUSTLE is a blast from start-to-finish and a major accomplishment for all involved. While it will no doubt get a bunch of Oscar nominations. It’s one of those movies that everyone- from critics to people simply looking for a good time- will enjoy.
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By Chris Bumbray
THE VALLEY BEAT DECEMBER 18, 2013
Movie Review
GINA CRASH’S TOP 10