American Hustle: 3.5 (out of 4)

The FBI's "Abscam" sting operation of the late 70's is a bizzare and fantastic story - and master director David O. Russel tells it with all the grandiose, frenetic energy that seems to define the time period. Christian Bale, fresh out of his Dark Knight mode, is Irving Rosenfeld - a fat, bald New York con man forced to help wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (played by a hyped-up Bradley Cooper, who's never been better) take down corrupt government officials.Jennifer Lawrence is fantastic as Rosenfeld's moronic and estranged wife who seems intent on messing up her husband's plans. Jeremy Renner is Camden, New Jersey Mayor Carmine Polito - about to learn that the old saying, "no good deed goes unpunished" is painfully true.But it's really Amy Adams who steals the show as Irving's seductive partner, Sydney, who is really playing everyone. I think she'll finally get the Oscar she deserves. This is one movie not to be missed.