Writer/Director David O. Russell has outdone himself with Amsterdam. Which may actually be part of the problem. It is hard to imagine, in recent memory, a film so lovingly written, directed, casted, and acted that simply goes ... nowhere. Christian Bale may possibly be one of the last "old school" actors left on the planet, an artist who can bury himself in any role. (Unlike for example the newer generation of actors who have never met a film that could not use an extra wisecrack). Robbie still has a look that can stop traffic. And John David Washington has a gravitas not often seen these days, foretelling many A-list roles ahead. If you have noticed that this review saved the plot for last, that is no coincidence. Because last is where it is belongs. After you leave the theatre, you will barely remember it. It's that kind of film. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))