Oscar-nominated American Hustle DVD review
By Marriska Fernandes on March 18, 2014 | 3 Comments
It’s time to get down and dirty with this ’70s swagger film, American Hustle. David O. Russell, who has directed note-worthy films such as The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook, takes you back in time with this Oscar-nominated crime caper, starring an A-list cast culled from his previous movies: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale and Amy Adams. Based on the real-life FBI sting operation known as Abscam, American Hustle follows con man Irving Rosenfeld (Bale), who is tired of his passive-aggressive wife Rosalyn (Lawrence) threatening to take their son away from him. The only light in his life is his mistress and partner-in-crime Sydney Prosser (Adams). Together they enjoy hustling people for a living. With the help of Sydney, who puts on a fake British accent and calls herself Lady Edith Greensly, Irving gets people to put a down payment as part of a loan that they will never get back.
Everything’s going according to plan, until the small-time crooks get caught. Irving and Sydney are forced to work for unhinged FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to help put together a sting operation involving New Jersey Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). The FBI disguises a Mexican as an Arab Sheikh for bait to bring more politicians into the sting operation. However, the promise of big bucks also attracts the mafia and soon Irving realizes that they have gone too far.
Each of Russell’s lead actors give award-worthy performances that makes us want to know more about these characters. Not only are the rich character transformations of each actor quite impressive, but the epic hair styles and the leading ladies’ plunging necklines are worthy of mention. Bale leaves his Batman cape behind to pack on a few pounds as he flashes his belly, sports an iconic comb over and dons a Jersey accent. Despite the fact that he’s a con man, we can’t help but empathize with Irving when things go wrong. Bradley Cooper bids farewell to his masculinity with some very feminine hair curlers, while Jennifer Lawrence plays mommie dearest to a young boy in an unforgettable scene. When she’s on the screen, she steals the spotlight as the East Coast mother who loves to spill secrets and put on a show. Amy Adams manages to win our hearts in the same way she wins the affection of Irving and Richie. Forget modern day romance and kick-ass action films; this movie fills your screen with smokin’ hot stars, a drama-drenched crime story and a trip to the disco era.
Bonus features include a Making of featurette, deleted scenes and extended scenes. Other movies releasing on DVD, Blu-ray and/or home release include: Frozen, The Jungle Book 2, Kill Your Darlings, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and Saving Mr. Banks. For a full list of what’s new on DVD this week, click here. ~ Marriska Fernandes
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I think the review above is pretty nail on for wrapping the movie up in a nutshell.
I watched this movie last week, thought it is a lengthy movie I enjoyed it very much.
Everyone in this movie played their roles PERFECTLY!!
Amy Adams is beyond amazing in this movie, she played it all so well that I didn’t even know what her real plan was!
Bradley Copper plays a perfect nut job!
Christian Bale, well who doesn’t love his acting.
Even Jennifer Lawrence played her role very well, she wasn’t nuts, she just wanted love.
My recommendation is for everyone to see this movie, you will not be disappointed!
xo
This movie was so weird. Hard to follow, ugly costumes and set and Jennifer Lawrence was miscast.
This is a movie you have to see at least TWICE. Great storyline…characters…acting. Combination “House of Cards” …”Boardwalk Empire” script, tempo, directing.
Sorry …but “12 Years a Slave” was a good documentary…THIS was a great MOVIE. No Oscars?? Pleeze…!! Once again the “Academy” shows its stripes…pink and blue…