http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/14/american-hustle-review THE VERDICT American Hustle is a crowd pleaser, but one with hidden depths. Ultimately, the story lacks the emotional punch necessary to elevate it beyond its wildly entertaining realms into something truly lasting and soulful. Sprawling, clever, often hilarious, and occasionally tender, there is more to American Hustle than may initially meet the eye. The film is as imperfect as its central characters, but that’s in many ways a part of its genius. Though it doesn’t entirely fulfill its promise, this is a pleasure ride well worth taking. 8.0=GREAT American Hustle puts a wildly entertaining, if somewhat shallow and bittersweet, face on the American Dream. +Fantastic scenery chewing (in a good way). +Great dialogue. +Just highly entertaining. +Hidden depths. – Story doesn't entirely pay off emotionally. – Though purposeful, can read as derivative.
