SYNOPSIS: In late 1970s New York, con artists Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) find themselves arrested by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). But instead of being charged, the pair are asked by the agent to use their deceitful skills in order to bring down a group of corrupt politicians which include Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). But as the sting operation begins to take shape, Irving’s estranged wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) threatens to complicate things with her unpredictable behaviour.

The Sting meets Goodfellas in consistent director David O. Russell’s new crime thriller American Hustle, which follows on from his recent successes The Fighter and last year’s Silver Linings Playbook.

Coming off the back end of multiple Golden Globe nominations (and potentially more mentions from BAFTA and Oscar), the film carries on the awards-contender tradition of being released here with acclaimed momentum and it’s easy to see what all the fuss is about.

A fictional account of the 1970s Abscam operation, it captivates us straight from the outset as we get a combined mixture of humour and sympathy about protagonist Irving as he places fake hair on top of his head only to be humiliated moments later when Richie messes it up in a confrontation.

This unusual sequence may seem out of place for a supposedly ‘serious’ film but instead, it catches our attention and triggers the start of this bold and daring story that unfolds throughout the two hour running time.

Just like Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece Goodellas, the film relies on slick editing and stylish camerawork to progress through different scenes with useful voiceovers provided by the likes of Irving, Richie and Sydney to explain what is going on.

Even the production values share similarity with Hustle looking and feeling like it belongs in the 1970s with its dazzling costumes (especially when worn by the female characters) and makeup/hairstyling.

However the best comparison between the two films comes from O. Russell’s excellent use of the blistering soundtrack complete with hits from Tom Jones, Donna Summer, Elton John and best of all, Paul McCartney/Wings.

But as an independent film, Hustle exposes the art of deception well in its clinical story but amidst the twists and turns, we come to realise that it’s the individuals who captivate us throughout as everyone gets a chance to shine in this majestic ensemble cast.

Leading the pack are the formidable duo of Christian Bale and the lovely Amy Adams. Their chemistry flourishes throughout as they manage to incorporate coolness and intimacy to their roles as cunning con-artists Irving and Sydney.

Bale carries the film with great tenacity and produces yet another mesmerising performance as a man who lacks appeal yet intrigues us with his charming approach towards the profession he loves.

Looking as sexy as she has ever been on screen, Adams continues to move away from the days of playing Giselle in Enchanted with an irresistible portrayal of a woman trying to adapt to change even when showing her seductive side (and the ability to put on a top-notch English accent).

Both actors are also ably supported by the versatile Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as the pair reunite straight after their fantastic collaboration in Silver Linings.

Showing more variety with his recent cinematic work, Cooper provides comic relief as determined FBI agent Richie. Charming one minute and sleazy the next, Richie is one dysfunctional man who only manages to thrive when involved in sexual tension with Adams’ Sydney but is eventually duped in the film’s finale.

Following on from her box-office success with The Hunger Games, Lawrence continues to show why she is one of the best young actresses of her generation by playing a role that requires her to act older than she actually is. As the vindictive yet sweet Rosslyn, J-Law ends up being an absolute riot to watch as she plays this eccentric character to perfection even to the point of making her as over-the-top as possible (complete with a hilarious rendition of “Live and Let Die”).

The rest of the gifted ensemble also get a chance to shine with Jeremy Renner smooth as the corrupted yet surprisingly sympathetic Mayor while Louis C.K, Jack Houston and an inspired cameo from one of Hollywood’s greatest actors deliver in their significant scenes.

However Hustle does suffer from occasional lapses in O. Russell’s and co-writer Eric Warren Singer’s script which relies on the broad performances of the cast to get the director out of a tricky spot.

Although all four central actors are on top form, the uneven screenplay doesn’t make their characters particularly sympathetic to audiences especially when it comes to focusing on the relationship sub-plots and some of the confrontational moments (i.e. Irving/Rossalyn).

The ending also wraps up proceedings a bit too quick and feels unsatisfactory when it comes to how attached we are to the characters.

All that aside, American Hustle is a strong opening film to 2014 and benefits from its fabulous all-star cast and the glitzy/glamorous 70s setting. David O. Russell, you’ve done it again!