American Gangster @ richardeward.com

American Gangster
starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Lymari Nadal
directed by Ridley Scott

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

• A Great (True) Story, But Falls A Bit Flat On Film
  If one were to focus strictly on plot/story when evaluating this film, it would easily receive five stars. Whether it be the U.S. military flying drugs out of Asia, the corruption of U.S. cops, or the almost surreal life of mobster Frank Lucas, all those real-life accounts are riveting, making one question how such things could possibly happen in our great country.
  Yet, as portrayed in this film, those stories became quite overextended or overblown, as a result making this film seem like a documentary... more info

• Strong Acting Propels Familiar Crime Saga
  There's little new in director Ridley Scott's "American Gangster." However, the emphasis on characterization over violent action is refreshing. Denzel Washington gives a compelling performance as real-life Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, with Russell Crowe equally impressive as New Jersey detective Richie Roberts - the man determined to bring down Lucas' heroin empire. An excellent supporting cast features standout portrayals by Josh Brolin and Oscar-nominated Ruby Dee. Regardless of the predictable outcome,... more info

• Denzel commands the screen in an otherwise middling rise & fall tale
  Although decent, this movie could've used some tighter editing (Pietro Scalia is usually very dependable - what went wrong?) and a stronger overall story arc. There are some scenes of individual power - almost all of them involving Denzel Washington as the villain. But Russell Crowe's child custody subplot is unnecessary as they could've mentioned it in one scene or even a line and it would've had the same impact.
  Plus, it lacks the scope and visceral shock of movies like the first two Godfather films... more info

• WE ENJOYED THIS MOVIE
  THE TRAILERS FOR THIS MOVIE MADE IT OUT TO BE REALLY GOOD, IT WAS. IT HELD OUR ATTENTION AND WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT. (RE: THE UNCUT/UNRATED VERSION)

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