American Hustle [2013]

Director David O. Russell convincingly cheats off Martin Scorsese’s paper, Christian Bale channels De Niro and the All-Star cast struts around like they are in “Saturday Night Fever” in a sterling comedy really loosely based on 1970s Abscam scandal.

d: David O. Russell | imdb.com | trailer | He saved my life.
Dry cleaners | He can’t get enough | Science oven

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Christopher Nolan’s third Batman movie is forgettable entertainment that keeps going for 2 hours, 44 minutes. Christian Bale’s Batman voice and villain Tom Hardy (Bane) are nearly inaudible. As Catwoman, Anne Hathaway is no Michelle Pfeiffer.

d: Christopher Nolan | imdb.com | trailer

The Fighter (2010)

Mark Wahlberg plays real-life welterweight Micky Ward in “Rocky” meets desperate Lowell, Mass., and he is supported by three super performances — gaunt, funny, crack-addicted Christian Bale, unsunny Amy Adams and overbearing mother Melissa Leo.

d: David O. Russell | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose
What’s the problem? | You can’t be me. | I’m the one fighting.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Christian Bale’s Batman voice veers toward self-parody, Heath Ledger’s Joker sounds like he has peanut butter stuck to the roof of his mouth and the action is a loud mess. The most unbelievable part: An attorney (Aaron Eckhart) is the city’s supposed savior.

d: Christopher Nolan | imdb.com | trailer | Crying on the inside.