Flick Picks: Leigh Paatsch reviews American Hustle, The Gilded Cage and The Sunnyboy on DVD

FLICK PICKS: Our movie expert Leigh Paatsch has reviewed the movies you should see this weekend, and the best new DVD to watch at home.

WHAT movies to see this weekend and the best new DVD to watch if you want to stay home.

A COMPLETE CON, ALWAYS ON THE MONEY.

The film AMERICAN HUSTLE opens with the following statement: "Some of this actually happened." Yes, this fantastic movie is based on a rather fantastical true story from the 1970s. But that's not so important. What is important is that something is always happening.

AMERICAN HUSTLE: BEHIND THE CUNNING FILM SET IN THE 70S

At a running time of over two hours, that takes some doing. Christian Bale and Amy Adams star as a cunning, conning couple busted by FBI agent Bradley Cooper and forced to make a deal. If the pair can lure a bunch of corrupt politicians to be bribed by feds posing as "fake sheikhs," they'll be let off the hook. One of the distinct pleasures of American Hustle is its tendency to dash off in any number of directions in its relentless pursuit of a great scene. In the second half of the movie in particular, many of these scenes are comprehensively owned by Jennifer Lawrence in a stunning supporting role. In fact, the whole cast (even Robert De Niro!) is in cracking form. One of the best films of 2013, and that's no scam.

{General release.}

News_Image_File: Golden Globe nominated .... Amy Adams, left, and Christian Bale in a scene from American Hustle. Picture: AP

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. BUT WHICH HOME?

A lovely, well-observed comedy, THE GILDED CAGE has been a breakout hit in it native France, and is sure to delight audiences here as well. After 30 years of making ends meet in Paris, Portuguese emigre couple Maria (Rita Blanco) and Jose (Joaquim de Almeida) receive word the life they have always wanted awaits back home. There is just one hitch : both are such valued employees, their bosses would rather they stay right where they are. Writer-director Ruben Alves works through an ever-escalating series of complications in fine style, adding just the right touches of levity and longing as needed. A vast array of colourful support players serve as welcome distractions when proceedings stray towards the predictable.

{Selected cinemas}

News_Rich_Media: 'The Gilded Cage' tells the story of a loving, hardworking married couple whose long-held dream of returning to their homeland finally comes true - only to be secretly undermined by their friends and neighbours.

A VOICE ONCE FAINT, GETTING LOUDER NOW.

If you missed the chance to see the involving Australian documentary THE SUNNYBOY when it aired on the ABC a few months ago, the way is now clear to catch it on home video. This is the story of the lost years of Jeremy Oxley, who was once the singing-songwriting nucleus of the wonderful 80s powerpop band The Sunnyboys. A long-time sufferer of schizophrenia, Oxley had all but given up on rediscovering his talent ever again. On the moving evidence gathered here, there is a lot more than just hope now pointing Oxley in the right direction. Wonderful stuff.

{out now on DVD}

News_Image_File: Don't miss this ... Jeremy Oxley stars in The Sunnyboy.