American Hustle: FINALLY

I finally made it over to American Hustle today. $5 and free 44 oz. popcorn with a "valid" college ID, I clearly use that interpretation loosely. I finally got to see American Hustle and the quality is amazing. The performances, soundtrack, wardrobe, etc. is all spot on in my opinion. The story follows Christian Bale as a part-time laundromat owner, part time con-artist. Amy Adams is his flame and love INTEREST who adds to his scamming business to where they start pulling in really good money. Jennifer Lawrence is Bale's wife, and to further complicate the story Bale adopted her child and claims him as his own. That begins the complicated mess. Their scam attracts some FBI attention from Bradley Cooper and he convinces them to "play ball" and hand over 4 other counterfeit types to be exhonerated. Adams wants to flee, Bale convinces her to stay, and the meat of the story happens. It's movie heaven for the most part. Renner plays a great role as Mayor Carmine, a beloved NJ mayor who wishes only to boost his states revenus and employment through legalizing gambling, which he already accomplished, and re-opening several casinos and gambling halls. He needs capital to do so (money for idiots out there) and Bale and Co. are happy to oblige. The story, cast, and everything is simply top notch and I don't want to spoil anything else from the movie. Bottom Line: 9.2 out of 10. Down graded slightly for being a little slow, but everything else is top notch. I personally wasn't bothered by the movies "slowness", but I enjoyed every minute. I think Adams blew away Lawrence's performance, but both, and really everyone's is top notch stuff. Bale is Oscar worthy as well, but his role as Irving pales in comparison to McConaughy's role in Dalls Buyer's Club, or Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years as a Slave. DiCaprio gets wayyyy too much love in my opinion for Wolf of Wall Street, especially this year when 3 performances are clearly stronger in my eyes. It's a tough year for leading men. Lawrence really shouldn't win for Best Supporting Actress, I'd personally role with Lupita Nyong'o from 12 Years again, but she will probably walk away with the award. Adams should probably win, but I've only seen Bullock in Gravity for her competition, and that was certainly a great performance as well. Simply some of the best acting you'll see from the "feet up" in this film, a line you'll learn to appreciate. Certainly worth you're 5-10 dollar investment to see in theatres.