Sunday 29 December 2013

American Hustle review

Well, year's almost over, but movies are still coming out. This includes a few I'm interested in, like this one.

American Hustle is about how two con artists are forced into a gigantic FBI scheme in New Jersey, and it's glorious. The movie contains a complex narrative, but the direction and writing keep it understandable for all the audiences who will see this flick. It's a story which has twists as great as a TV drama like Breaking Bad, yet it also remains as fun a ride as a good summer blockbuster.

The first thing of note is the writing. It has this zing to it that is incredibly compelling, and makes the slower setup not feel like a chore to get through. And when it picks up, it's an exciting tale of intrigue, one which is almost addictive to watch. In fact, forget "almost". This movie is addictive. I didn't want it to end, because I just loved watching it so much. It's exciting and enticing, complex and compelling. It's genuinely funny, but it still takes itself seriously enough not to be considered "irreverent". Still, I possibly laughed more at this movie than at any of the proper comedies I've seen this year.

The performances are fantastic, and even when I recognized an actor, their presence was quickly replaced by that of their character. Not to mention, the roles are all amazingly cast. As for the direction, it's some of the most vibrant I've seen all year. While the writing may give the film some of its energy, the direction is also a major contributor.

American Hustle is one of the best movies I've seen this year, and is undoubtedly going to be nominated for a number of Academy Awards. It may be the end of the year, but the movie is still more than worth a watch.

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