RVING Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) is a brilliant con man, trapped in a loveless marriage to a harridan wife, Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence).

So the hustler throws himself into his work, recruiting an inexperienced sidekick Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams). The pair are arrested by ambitious FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), who forces them to put their dubious talents to good use by entrapping New Jersey Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). American Hustle is a self-indulgent, painfully funny and scattergun film that attempts to con us into believing it is smarter and funnier than the glossy mess that flickers before our eyes. Director David O Russell is blessed with a talented ensemble.

Unfortunately, putting all these misfit characters together in one film feels like the inmates have taken over the asylum.

Despite undeniable pleasures, you cannot escape the pain of the frequent longueurs, bloated running time and shambolic plot.