Oscars 2014: Ranking Best Pictures From Worst To Best
7. American Hustle
American Hustle may be nominated for 10 Academy Awards, but that doesnt mean its the best of the Best Picture nominations. No one will deny that the movie has one of the greatest ensemble casts ever and that it's film is endlessly entertaining from beginning to end, but its an experience that quickly leaves you afterwards. Scenes like Jennifer Lawrence energetically cleaning the house while singing along to Live And Let Die, Bradley Cooper and Louis C.K bantering about an ice fishing story, Amy Adams playing every single character to the point where even the audience has absolutely no idea whos side she is on, another physical Christian Bale transformation, and Jeremy Renner playing a crooked yet sympathetic politician trying to better his community, all make for award worthy performances. But thats all American Hustle is an exercise in outstanding acting. David O. Russell has even admitted that he disregards actual storytelling when shooting films, preferably just letting his actors loose and unhinged. American Hustle deserves its nomination for the fact that it is an uproarious riot with phenomenal acting, but it lacks a real kick to keep it lingering around in your mind.
