By: Alex Spindler Much like his previous works, director David O. Russell’s new drama, “American Hustle,” blends Jersey melodrama with relationship dysfunction. Set in the late 1970s, “Hustle” follows swindlers Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) as they attempt to bribe New Jersey mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). FBI agent Richie Di Maso (Bradley Cooper) aids the pack in an intriguing dramedy packed with deception, betrayal and even a stray gut-busting guffaw. Despite the critical acclaim given for the film’s many facets, “American Hustle” simply didn’t crackle as expected. Slow to start with a sludgy screenplay, the … Continue reading American Hustle