1016. American Hustle

American Hustle
2013
Directed by David O. Russell

I apologize for taking so long to update this blog.  I have had a ton of writing to do (that just shows how burnt out I am; I just measured my writing in weight).  This has fallen pretty low on the priority list.  However, I am delighted by every comment I receive, even if it takes me a bit to respond.  I will renew my promises of fidelity for the new year.

In the meantime, let's talk about American Hustle.  This film is based on the Abscam scandal.  I have never fully gotten this scandal, but having confessed to not understanding Inception, I probably shouldn't dwell on my confusion.  I don't want to sound like an idiot (see below, where I praise Real Housewives of New Jersey).  Anyway, Irving Rosenfield is a small time crook.  He falls for Sydney Prosser, a fellow grifter, despite the fact that he is married to the very volatile Rosalind.  But the power of the boner is strong, so he partners with Sydney and begins pulling off bigger scams.  They are caught by FBI agent Richie DiMaso, who blackmails them into helping his sting operation.  Oh, and Christian Bale is fat.  My god, the artistry.

I did not anticipate enjoying this movie.  I read that most of the scenes were improvised and I figured the entire cast would be Acting so hard that it might be unbearable.  While none of the performances could really be considered low-key (which is what I prefer), I was actually pleasantly surprised.  Parts of the movie were fairly clunky (probably due to so many deviations from the script) but this was still a decent crime drama.  I wonder if Scorsese feels threatened.

In any case, this is not a film that caters to my preferences, but I still managed to like it for what it is.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Was nominated for 10 Academy Awards but failed to win in any category.

Jennifer Lawrence drew inspiration for her character by watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey.  HA!  See, it's not a waste of time.

Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence made significantly less money than Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale.  *bangs head against wall*

935. Three Kings

Three Kings
1999
Directed by David O. Russell

As I am going into surgery tomorrow (meaning Friday the 13th; trying not to read too much into that), I really needed a movie that was going to distract me completely.  This fit the bill and while it certainly wasn't perfect, it was entertaining enough to get my mind off the fact that I will be split open tomorrow.

At the end of the Persian Gulf War, four soldiers set out to steal the gold taken from Kuwait (with the help of a map found in an Iraqi officer's anus).  Major Archie Gates is a sexy, sexy officer who is disillusioned with war, Sergeant Troy Barlow has a wife and kid at home that he is desperate to return to, Sergeant Chief Elgin has basically no personality at all, and Private Conrad Vick is basically an idiot.  During their mission, they discover that people need their help, because, interestingly enough, American interventionism didn't solve a whole lot.

I won't comment too much on the politics of this one, although I am sure the sarcasm in the previous paragraph can give you some indication of my thoughts.  I will say I was pleased that some of the  soldiers seemed more interested in following their hearts than following orders.  I wish all soldiers had that philosophy.

Anyway, parts of this film did drag a bit for me, but for the most part, I was quite pleased with this one. It seemed to masquerade as lighthearted entertainment, but ended up delivering interesting political commentary.  And that is one good looking cast.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

George Clooney and David O'Russell got into a fight during the filming of the climax because Clooney objected to the way O'Russell treated an extra.  So Clooney stands up for people in real life?  *Swoons*

Banned in Iraq.

Shot in the Arizona desert.