American Gangster (2007)

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 instead of real life-inspired drama. True, I did watch the Extended Edition, but I am confident that the 18-minute less Theatrical Edition would have improved things only slightly. The film moves along at a snails pace, which while probably necessary in order to portray all the complex emotions of the movie, still may make the viewer feel as though this is a marathon viewing.

Also, the acting in this film is pretty toned down as well. I'm not sure if this was because that was just what the real-life people were like, but either way it was underwhelming. The cool, intense Denzel Washington only comes out in glimpses, which is a shame in a movie that features so much of him. Only Russell Crowe's character shows great character development, and even that is not up to the standards of most dramas.

To conclude, then, this film was likely the best it possibly could have been...but still doesn't translate into compelling drama. The complex drug storyline is very interesting, but the movie's extremely long run time and mellow acting will often make you feel as if you have been watching forever. August 26, 2008

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, Scott manages to keep the pot boiling for 157 minutes. "American Gangster" does not rank with the classic crime epics, but remains a solid achievement. August 17, 2008

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 or Goodfellas. There's nothing here you haven't really seen before (unless you're totally unfamiliar with the gangster genre) and no memorable/iconic sequences.

Ridley Scott should probably stick to directing sword & sandal epics or sci-fi thrillers because this doesn't play to his strengths. I'm not unhappy with the final result but I have no desire to see it again. You'd probably be better off renting it when you've got nothing else to do instead of buying the DVD.

STANDOUT: Josh Brolin as the corrupt Special Investigations Unit detective. His performance was appropriately slimy, intimidating and fascinating. August 6, 2008

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) July 29, 2008

engrossing story of corruption and gangster entrepreneurship

As I was warned that there is "nothing new" about this film, I was unsure if it was worth it. To be sure, the story is pretty run-of-the-mill: after a long apprenticeship with a Harlem manipulator, a young hustler figures out a new way to get pure heroin into the country. He then runs it like a business, establishing a superior brand and building an empire. Meanwhile, a cop focuses on him, and you can guess the rest.

What made this a fabulous experience was the acting: Washington is second to none in his ability to project an entire environment and background into every gesture. Crowe is also superb as an honest, though troubled cop, who gets extraordinary powers to build a team and pursue him. In between, you get a vivid (and thankfully not too detailed) picture of the times, from the Vietnam War to the changing role of blacks in US society. Taken together, the film is a true gem, one of Scott's best in my opinion.

Warmly recommended. July 23, 2008

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