Switch CategoriesSwitchPlanetSwitchbuc CalculatorFAQsCurrently not available
November 2, 2007
November 2, 2007
Universal Studios
R (Restricted)
Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Carla Gugino
"While the "true story" this is based on is fantastic material, Ridley Scott falls into his "Hollywood blockbuster" mode ala "Gladiator", etc. The film doesn't break any new ground in the "gangster/mafia" genre, and is overly long where it needn't be, but lacking details or continuity where it's needed - perfect example is the opening scene which is never explained and sets a violent tone that the film lacks. Ridley Scott is a great sci-fi director but his Hollywood big films are just OK at best."
- WinkJunior, gave it a 3/5
"Wow, what a great movie. There are so many big names in this I couldn't even start to name 'em. But they all do a fantastic job! And the top 3 deliver as always: Denzel, Russel, and Ridley!"
- spawnshop, gave it a 5/5
"pretty amazing man, who was able to bring down those who had the most powerful drug ring in our country... need more men like him... excellent movie, and a true story..."
- Child of the King, gave it a 5/5
Ridley Scott puts on his "sweeping saga" gameface again, this time not for the sci-fi vistas of Blade Runner or the ancient world of Gladiator but for an urban epic. American Gangster gives the story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a real-life Harlem crime lord who built an empire on Southeast Asian heroin in the 1970s. Running parallel to Lucas's somewhat standard story is the investigation led by a persistent New Jersey cop, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). Roberts is a more interesting character than Lucas--too honest for his own good, unlucky in his personal life--and this kind of character, easily patronized by others, fits Crowe like a polyester shirt. Scott's tendency to hit his points square on the noggin is much in evidence here, including the typecasting of the supporting roles and the predictable Serpico atmosphere of the whole thing. (And speaking of supporting actors, the film needs more Chiwetel Ejiofor, whose role as a Lucas sidekick feels cut down.) It succeeds as a kind of chewy entertainment, fueled by the presence of two big stars working their muscles. Both Washington and Crowe look pretty brawny here. --Robert Horton
Beyond American Gangster on DVD
 Great Crime and Gangster Films |  More from Denzel Washington |  More from Russell Crowe |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Academy Award® winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe team with director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) for an epic story as powerful as it is true. Armed with ruthless, street-wise tactics and a strict sense of honor, crime boss Frank Lucas (Washington) rules Harlem's chaotic drug underworld. When outcast cop Richie Roberts (Crowe) sets out to bring down Lucas's multi-million dollar empire, it plunges both men into a legendary confrontation. American Gangster is "a brutal and brilliant film" (Pete Hammond, Maxim) - Description
