Loosely based on the FBI ABSCAM sting operation from the 1970s, American Hustle captures the nuttiness of those times. I was impressed by Christian Bale as a cunning con-man. Amy Adams plays a character 180 degrees opposite of her usual “good girl” roles. And Jennifer Laurence continues to be a chameleon as she becomes an all too believable high-maintenance wife in this movie. Bradley Cooper veers close to going over the top as an ambitious FBI agent. If you’re a fan of twisty plots and surprise endings, American Hustle is the movie for you. The bizarre hair-styles are worth the ticket alone! GRADE: B+

It’s been nine years since Anchorman arrived to mock the television industry. The sequel, Anchorman 2, is in theaters now, but I suspect it won’t be as funny as the original. Will Ferrell created “The Legend of Ron Burgandy” with this comic movie. This Blu-ray version of Anchorman includes commentary by Will Ferrell and the other major actors, bloopers, 36 deleted & extended scenes, the “Afternoon Delight” video, and an ESPN SportsCenter audition by Ron Burgundy. If you want to laugh watch Anchorman. It’s still funny after all these years.

AMAZON continues to discount box sets of Blu-rays and DVDs. I was motivated to buy the first four seasons of Star Wars: The Clone Wars by the discount: the $59.99 list price was discounted to $24.99. If you have a Star Wars fan on your gift list, they’ll love these episodes. I found the story-telling more sophisticated than the average animated feature. Great stocking stuffers!