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American Hustle

17 January 2014English2h 18m
CrimeDrama
out of 10
Exceptionalcritics broadly rave
Monk Score · 14 scored reviews · 2 not rated

A dazzling cast elevates this slick, stylish con caper beyond its thin plot.

Verdict tier Exceptional, critics broadly rave, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: ensemble cast and performances
  • Criticised: thin, overhyped plot

Audience

User score 6.9 out of 10 from 18 ratings, Mixed
Read 2 audience reviews ↓

Top cast

Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 15 critics are saying

American Hustle draws broadly positive notices, with most critics lauding its ensemble cast, detailed period setting, and stylish, entertaining energy. Reviewers frequently highlighted the performances and character work as standout achievements, with several noting the film's wit, soundtrack, and production detail. The most recurring criticism is that the plot itself is considered thin or run-of-the-mill, with some critics also feeling the film is overstretched in runtime and does not fully live up to its awards-season reputation. A minority found the film to be excellent entertainment without necessarily ranking it among the year's best.

How the 14 scores spread

2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 15 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (16)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    ...So much fun that I wonder if viewers will recognize what a staggering artistic achievement it is. Don't miss this film.

  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    ...It's easy to see why the film is scooping those awards. For it may be about two con artists, an ambitious FBI agent, and a showman, if do-gooder politician, but rarely will you see character sketches as detailed about largely middle-aged people dealing with "the art of survival".

  3. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    It's possibly the most fun I've had at the movies in a long, long time, and like the perfect restaurant meal it leaves you keen to make a second visit soon.

  4. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    A movie where the killer ensemble cast unmistakably looks to be having a better time than the audience. Their buoyant energy -- and the look-at-me style the movie is soaked in -- comes at us hard and fast and it's best to grin through it.

  5. Top critic

    Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    It's certainly not the greatest film of the year as the busload of Oscar nominations try to tell you, but it's a pretty entertaining film for film buffs.

  7. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    The movie is about the hustle. The hustle to survive. This story keeps you hooked. The acting and characters are outstanding. The movie's soundtrack transports you back in time. The cinematography is crisp and personal. Since this is a movie about con-artists, you will obviously be trying to figure how it is done. Word of advice, don't try. The twist and the con job is sudden and rather fun when it happens. A definite must-watch movie with an amazing cast and brilliant performances. In the end, it's all about the hustle.

  8. Desimartini

    Film review ·

    Great acting, great art direction and background score and writing overcome a plot that is kind of run-of-the-mill, like I said earlier, the devil is in the details, catch them if you can.

  9. DNA India

    Film review ·

    ...the film already dominating the award shows and getting rave reviews from festivals is a must-watch towering above an already existing pool of must watch movies.

  10. India Today

    Film review ·

    David O. Russell's new film is America's sweetheart flick at the Oscars this year. It rises above all influences though, to shell out a crime drama wholly original - at the same time funny and deep, and surely carved out with the awards season in mind.

  11. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    Despite its flaws and lack in drive, it makes-up with style and excellence. It is an ideal intriguing period crime film laced with comedy.

  12. TimeOut

    Film review ·

    The story is second­ary to Russell's delicious detailing of character and milieu.

  13. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    ...amuses with irony, music and wit. It tantalizes with danger but doesn't get violent. Its sexiness - there's grinding in washrooms, on tables and laps - is electric and fun. Intelligent and good-looking, American Hustle could've lost 20 minutes to deliver an even sharper kick.

  15. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    ...is good fun if you can distract yourself from the illogical bits by focusing on the wigs or gaping necklines of Amy Adams' outfits.

  16. LiveMint

    Film review ·

    It has the conceit of a gangster film—an aggression that's thrown outward, one-liners and dialogue-heavy scenes, and plenty of slow motion shots. But it is essentially an intimate story about lost love and identity, and that's what you remember it for. Without actually showing the dejection of 1970s' New York, Russell tells us all about it—through his characters, and with hilarity and mock seriousness.

From our readers

Audience reviews (2)

18 ratings · user score 6.9

  1. SachiJan 2014
    2/10

    American Hustle is again an OSCAR Nomination movie..not because it is so good, but because it has everything to please the American people..hatred for the IRS...Desire to Con anyone...and lastly to relive the past glory USA enjoyed in the 80's... and OF COURSE it goes without saying that the OSCARS are rigged and a sweet lollipop trophy to mostly all American..just to show to the world how elite they really are...Coming to the movie...it just seems the cinematography was drunk throughout the film making because the camera was focusing here..there..everywhere like someone on drugs !! Well the movie should be named...Hustler of the World..America !!

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  2. NagmaApr 2014
    5/10

    If you have a fairly good understanding of the current political scenario in India, then the film may not appear to be a surprise package. Irwing (Christian Bale) a married businessman based in New York meets Sydney (Amy Adams)and takes on a partnership to earn fast money by becoming con experts. However, their hidden crime is soon detected by FBI and agent David (Bradley Cooper) gets them arrested. Subsequently, puts a condition of getting the charges dropped against them if they help him expose the Congressmen involved in the ongoing corruption in the Atlantic City. I would say that our bollywood movies are equally competent in showcasing such political drama especially with the onset of multiple sting operations against the existing political leaders and mafias. The only difference is that this movie boasts of the American "FBI" sting operation technology (video recording)as early as 1978. Makeover of Christian Bale as a man in his mid-40s is splendid along with his superb acting. Bradley Cooper is charming and brilliant as always. But the main attraction is Christian Bale's wife (Jennifer Lawrence). Her dialogue delivery is awesome and puts a dominant presence to her character even though she does not have a major role in the movie. All in all the movie basically belongs to Christian Bale who witnesses an entire turn of events in his life affecting his family, his business and of course himself. But mind you! No matter how intelligent Christian's character is, this character is not as powerful as to outsmart the multiple con experts existing in India! Oscar nominated movie but didn't seem to be that worth watching. One time watch I would say!!

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