SPOILERS American Hustle (2013) - David O. Russell SPOILERS

This was a lovely film. On first look, it has everything in it any film fan could want: a great cast, a tap-along soundtrack, and an auteur director.
The only problem I had with it, was the completely irrelevant and random kiss between Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, justified to me by friends as just a moment of complete madness and passion. Also, I felt a tad bad for Bradley Cooper's character, because he seemed to get chastised the most at the end, when he'd only been doing his duty and was in the right the whole time.
Also, nice cameo by Robert De Niro. De Niro seems to want to be in as many films as possible these days, maybe due in part to his age, and knowing he hasn't got long left. He's an actor, who truly loves the craft.

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

The Master (2012) - Paul Thomas Anderson

This reminded me of Scientology's origins, mixed in with a Manson-esque Family vibe, particularly with all the naked dancing and Amy Adams wanking Philip Seymour Hoffman off, only to call him Dad immediately after. It was an OK film. I don't think it deserves all the hype it's been getting; I found it difficult to pay much attention to it, and it dragged on a little.

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆