by Jesus Ibarra
Special coupon for Dinuba Platinum Theatre at the end of this review.
David O. Russell, director of last year’s hit Silver Linings Playbook, is back with a new drama, American Hustle. Loosely based on the FBI ABSCAM operation of the late 70s, American Hustle stars a fantastic ensemble who give “mind blowingly” amazing performances.
Christian Bale and Amy Adams portray two mid-level successful con artists, Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser, who are forced with the FBI to stay out of jail. Richie DiMaso, played by Bradley cooper, the agent who caught them lets them off the hook, only if they help him catch corrupt politicians using Irving’s conning methods. Rounding out the cast is everyone’s BFF Jennifer Lawrence who plays Irving’s wife, Rosalyn, who is an unstable manic alcoholic that could bring the operation down on its knees. 
This was one of my most anticipated movies of the year, it did not disappoint! This movie was so freaking fantastic. The pacing, story, acting, directing and music were all so top notch that I was completely engrossed in watching these characters try to pull off their con, all while dealing with interpersonal relationships. Taking place in the 70s, I was afraid it was going to try to be a clichéd idea of what the 70s are versus what they actually were, but thankfully that did not happen. Also, all the characters were completely fleshed out so that everything that happens to them in this movie felt organic and right.
I don’t know what it is about David O. Russell, but he is one of those rare directors that can pull the best performances out of actors and just present them on screen. This was such a well acted film, particularly the women. Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams steal the show. Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale were good, but Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence were amazing. I liked Amy Adams, but I never thought of her as an incredibly compelling actor, but in this movie, she was magnetic. Every time she was on screen it was just so good, and every choice she makes in portraying her characters was freaking perfect.
Jennifer Lawrence continues to show her massive talent and range by blowing her supporting role out of the water. Her character is the queen of manipulation and passive aggressiveness and Jennifer Lawrence gives her these certain ticks and qualities that make you believe it. Not only do you hate her, but you can’t help but feel for her. It also helps that in movie Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence have the best scene in the film that could sum up the entire movie. This movie is so good! Go watch it and enjoy two hours of top notch cinema.
American Hustle is playing at Dinuba Platinum Theatres 6. Showtimes can be found on their website. Platinum Theaters Dinuba 6 now proudly presents digital quality films in 2-D and 3-D with 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound to maximize your movie experience.
Print this coupon and enjoy a special discount for Kings River Life readers only!
There’s always someone conning the other, which can bring on a lot of confusion, as well as a whole bunch of fun, which makes this an absolute blast to check out. Good review Jesus.