2.5 out of 5 HelloNeimans

Movie Review Haiku:

Tons of hype for this,
Fell short of expectations,
Boring, but for Bale.

Movie Review in Detail:

I know this movie is getting tons of hype, great press, and positive reviews across the net. Well, I’m here to contradict all those. American Hustle was a completely adequate movie. That is the best description I believe it deserves. Given the star studded cast … Bale, Lawrence, Adams, Renner, Cooper, CK and De Niro … you had to have expected more from basically the same cast as Silver Linings Playbook.

The Worst: Even with a great cast, this story with simply dull. There was never a part during this movie where I was excited, on the edge of my seat, or eager to see what happens next. I was simply bored throughout the whole thing, and don’t understand why so many people herald this as an Academy Award shoe-in. I don’t know how you can call this a “hustle” movie, as it had none of the surprise elements of the Ocean’s 11 trilogy or other conman-type dramas. There were no tricks, no gimmicks, and no reveals (save one extremely predictable ending). Again, I was bored.

The Best: No question, the best part was a quality performance by Christian Bale. In stark comparison to some of his other roles, Bale was great at playing the sleazy conman that can barely keep his life together. Good back story for him, good on-screen struggles, and a great element of reality to trying to live a double-life. I believe the internal torment he portrayed, and I loved the opening scene making up his hair that puts things instantly into perspective. Amy Adams had some shining moments as well, but I found both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence annoying, and the storyline was just weak all around.

Verdict: Skip it, rent The Sting, and have a much more enjoyable evening.