Geek of Oz

With arguably the year’s greatest cast, American Hustle is an immensely entertaining crime film. This cinematic menagerie is populated by a variety of conniving, unhinged and at times ridiculous characters. It’s fascinating to sit back and watch them interact with one another as the stakes spiral out of control. This film is blessed with an exceptional script. Director David O. Russell (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook) proves once again he’s the master of wrangling absurd characters.

Gosling and Cooper deliver spellbinding performances as their lives intertwine in this dramatic powerhouse of love, death, crime and punishment. There is no simple way to explain this film. It is part love story, part thriller, part action and all drama. There is not a single weak performance from the entire cast and Cianfrance’s direction and script are superb in their ability to be astounding and understated in equal measures, an achievement unto itself. In a movie that could easily be made into two separate films, Cianfrance has been able to seamlessly tie the two parts together with great effect leaving the audience full to the brim. This is not a happy movie, I’ve just gotta say that. There are times when I was cringing to the edge of my seat; I just wanted it to end but the ability of all the actors to convey their emotions without overacting was a beautiful thing and it kept me interested and engaged throughout, that and an intriguing story.