American Hustle

Movie: American Hustle

Major Actors: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K., Robert Deniro

Rating: R

Best Audience: Adults only

Review:

American Hustle is loosely based on a true story. The story focuses on a con man and his mistress, who are blackmailed by an FBI agent to assist in an operation to bring down politicians and congressmen.

The thing I like about this story is how morally ambiguous it is. The FBI is trying to entrap congressmen into accepting bribes in order to make some high profile arrests. The congressmen are doing what they have to do in order to bring opportunity to their communities. The FBI is using con-men in order to trick them into committing crimes.

At many times throughout this movie, you will be confused about who is conning whom...and that is one of the great things about this film. No one in this film is really "likeable." You may like the characters at one point, then absolutely can't stand them at another point. But that is reality. No one is all good or all bad. We are all capable of both. This movie truly does capture the truth about humanity. Of course, Jennifer Lawrence possesses the power to steal the scene and she does, despite having a smaller role. David O. Russell, who gave us "Silver Linings Playbook" directed this movie as well.

But even a casual movie-goer can still enjoy this film. There is plenty of fighting, sex, and drama to entertain while the story provides some interesting observations about humanity.

Man of Steel

Movie:  Man of Steel
Major Actors:
Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Russel Crowe, Kevin Costner
Rating: PG 13
Best Audience: Older children, teenagers, adults

Review:

This film delved more into the alien side of Superman than previous Superman films have done. The movie starts off with a pretty thorough backstory on Superman's beginnings.  The movie did jump back and forth in time at the beginning.  This jumping did not make it hard to follow, it just didn't feel like the transitions were very smooth.  I felt certain important details were left unexplained as the plot unfolded as well.  I don't want to say which, so as not to spoil anyone.  But I left the theatre with questions.  I will partially spoil this part though:  after Lois and Clark kiss at the end, Lois--played by Amy Adams--says the cheesiest line ever.  Just brace yourselves for that one. 

And why did Lois and Clark kiss?  Because they are supposed to!  I know.  However, I did not feel like the things that happened in the movie were leading them to be together romantically.  That is to say...I did not feel the film lent itself to the development of a romantic relationship between Lois and Clark--and yet it still happened.  Lois was thrust into the action as a "damsel in distress" type and Superman--played by sexy Henry Cavill--was constantly having to save her.  I understand why her character would fall for Superman in that situation, but I simply felt like their chemistry was gravely lacking.

Aside from their relationship and the jumpy transitions, I actually really enjoyed "Man of Steel."  It is by far the best Superman movie (and yes, I have seen a few of them).