Bill I’s Review: 4.5 out of 5
This is a perfect movie. Not perfect technically, as it has some questionable plot points and diversions. Perfect in that it enthralled me throughout and I left the theater smiling. It’s like going to your neighborhood restaurant and experiencing a transcendent gourmet meal. You don’t expect it, since it’s a typical dish (plot about some con men, corrupt politicians and FBI sting), but the ingredients are high quality (top actors, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence, all great), the atmosphere and lighting are perfect (the music, the cinematography), the service impeccable (David O. Russell directing) and by the end you walk out realizing that everything combined so that you had the best meal (film) experience you can remember. It’s based on the Abscam sting of congressmen taking bribes, aided and trapped by the FBI, but it takes liberties so that it poses as fiction. Reminiscent of Goodfellas (the 70’s style, the voice over, the mobsters getting in and out of trouble. and of course Robert Deniro), it carries you along from scene to scene while you watch in glee as Bradley Cooper goes from obsessive love to mamma’s boy to batshit on his boss, Christian Bale as the con man with the comb-over and pot belly fast talks his marks into giving him money for nothing, Jennifer Lawrence goes from nagging wife to manipulating, drunk bombshell. It’s a comedy, one of the best of the year. I want to see it again!
Bill C’s Review – 4.5 out of 5
This is a very entertaining movie and becomes only the second movie to get a coveted 4.5 rating from both of us.
There’s not much to add to Bill’s review. I loved the directing of Russell and his use of music from the period (It added to the Scorsese feel of the film). All the actors were great. In addition to the ones Bill called out Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner were right up there with the others.
This is one you shouldn’t miss.
We enjoyed it, also! Excellent ensemble acting.
Jennifer Lawrence continues to amaze.
I loved it. Acting was phenomenal. Christian Bale was by far the best!
This is a great movie. Very entertaining, well directed, soundtrack, everything. Just a joy to watch for me.The best acting ensemble I have seen in years. All were great, but Christian Bale’s performance is the best I’ve seen in a long time.