Genre: Drama

Rating: R

2hr 9min

When it comes to starting off a movie right, American Hustle accomplishes that objective with perfection. The film begins with Christian Bale made up to be a middle-aged man posed in front of a mirror sculpting an unattractive comb-over.

Hilariously, the scene proved to be an intriguing introduction into an enthralling drama made up of a spectacular cast. Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, and briefly Robert DeNiro all had notable exhibitions of acting ability. Not surprisingly, most of the cast was nominated for numerous awards because of their performances.

The film follows Irving Rosenfield (Christian Bale) and his partner, Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) after getting caught by the FBI as con-artists. To avoid serving time in federal prison, the partners agree to work with agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to bust bribery in Atlantic City’s political system. During the course of the story, the Mafia gets involved, a character ultimately goes to prison, and an audience is amazed at the wonderfully-crafted plot that some describe to be reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.

Altogether, one would find that Hustle is composed of all the perfect elements. The script is virtually flawless. In fact, much of the dialogue in the film is so realistic that it leaves an interesting effect on the audience. One feels as if they are watching actual conversation.

In addition, Hustle arguably has some of the best costume direction in Hollywood history. The seventies are accurately depicted with wide ties, bell bottoms, jumpsuits, and hair. No one can forget the hair. The hair happened to fuel most of the comedy in the film. Cooper’s character donned a perm, something already considered to be a laughing matter, and Bale’s comb-over was the butt of many jokes.

At the end of the movie, no one can say that Hustle did not meet or exceed the audience’s expectations.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars