Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mesmerizing mature drama with just a bit of sex, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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American Hustle
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say the film features strong performances from a star-studded cast, particularly from Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, who dominate the screen despite a plot centered around morally ambiguous characters engaged in infidelity and deception. However, it's marred by its mature content, including explicit language, nudity, and drug use, making it inappropriate for younger viewers and problematic for those seeking positive messages.
- strong performances
- mature content
- morally ambiguous characters
- inappropriate for children
- lacking positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 24 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a mix of clever humor, excellent performances, and complex themes, earning high praise for its cast and direction. However, many feel it is better suited for mature teens due to its pervasive language and some suggestive content, and while the storyline receives criticism for being convoluted and lengthy, it ultimately captivates a significant audience.
- funny humor
- excellent performances
- mature themes
- convoluted story
- lengthy run-time
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Inspired by the real-life story of a con artist who is compelled by the FBI to help snag bigger fish in a criminal pond, director David O. Russell's AMERICAN HUSTLE finds Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), a small-time hustler and dry cleaning store owner, taking his game to another level when he meets, teams up with, and falls for Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), a formidably smart stripper who helps to refine their scams. But when an ambitious FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) ensnares them, the only way out for Irving and Sydney is to set up a bigger con that would lead to a more valuable prize: a well-meaning but corrupt politician (Jeremy Renner) and a mob boss (Robert De Niro). Complicating matters is Irving's interesting, charming, but bizarrely eccentric wife (Jennifer Lawrence), whom Irving cares for but doesn't want to live with anymore. His step-son is the main reason he's sticking around. But if he and Sydney don't reel in the bigger marks, they're done.
Is It Any Good?
American Hustle immerses you in its pounding intensity from the very beginning, and it only accelerates from there. The moment we see Christian Bale's paunchy swindler create his intricate comb-over, we know we're in Wonderland territory. Nothing will be as it seems. And what comes next is a joy of non-linear storytelling, conjuring a world that still seems familiar despite being set decades ago. It's bold and operatic and unafraid. The ensemble is fantastic, led by Bale who leaves any vanity at the door to churn out a performance filled with layers. He's criminal and loving and admirable, even in the worst circumstances. Adams is stunning -- there's no other character like her Sydney. You root for them both, as well as Irving's nutty wife, and the politician, Mayor Carmine Pollito, who gets caught in the dragnet.
Just when you think the movie can't get any better, American Hustle pulls another brilliant sleight of hand, sending the plot careening in a new mind-bending direction. You'll find yourself holding your breath often, and not because the characters are pulling some feat-of-physicality stunt. The subjects are grand and complicated, and the story has the makings of a classic heist film. But, at the heart of it all -- and this is what makes it so memorable and insightful -- is a quest for love and partnership.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes this movie unique. Have you seen other movies with similar styles or themes? What sets this one apart? What do you know about how the director works?
What makes a movie better for mature viewers -- sexual or violent content or adult-oriented themes? What kinds of movies should teens not see?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 13, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : March 18, 2014
- Cast : Amy Adams , Bradley Cooper , Christian Bale , Jennifer Lawrence , Michael Pena
- Director : David O. Russell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 138 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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