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| American Gangster | 
 enlarge | Category: Movie
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Avg. Customer Rating:  196 reviews
Sales Rank: 5539
Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: Video On Demand
Running Time: 158
ASIN: B001390BWO
Theatrical Release Date: November 2, 2007
Release Date: August 13, 2008
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| Customer Reviews: Read 191 more reviews...
 A Superb Film That Exceeds Expectations February 18, 2008
263 out of 285 found this review helpful
This viewer rented the DVD form of AMERICAN GANGSTER, having passed it by in the theatrical run, thinking that it was yet another 'crime and corruption in New York' genre film. It was surprising to discover that this very long film (just under three hours in the Unrated version) is completely riveting and in a way far different than the usual gangster film: this story, based on real people as outlined in an article by Mark Jacobson (transformed for the screen by Steven Zaillian), and while it has its share of grisly killings, it seems more concerned with the issues of integrity in the face of police corruption as embodied in the character of Richie Roberts, the etiology of the heroin use escalation following the Vietnam War, and the presence of a 'Black Mafia' lead by one Frank Lucas. It is delivered with compelling gusto and intelligence by director Ridley Scott and has some of the best acting of the year. In other words, this is not a film to be lightly dismissed as a Hollywood retread, but instead it is a tense drama with many very fine points.
Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) follows the footsteps of his idol Bumpy (Clarence Williams III) who 'ran' the Harlem streets, and when Bumpy dies, Lucas inherits his mantle. Lucas is wise, cunning, a gentleman, a powerhouse of ideas, and quickly finds a way to bring the best uncut heroin from the Far East to the streets of New York at a price that undercuts the other mobsters' product. To establish his control he enlists his family, including his brother Huey (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and rapidly becomes the kingpin of the streets.
Simultaneously within the NYPD we meet Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) whose personal life is a mess but who, with his partner Lou (Ted Levine) discovers corruption in the NYPD and more particularly the Drug Enforcement sector of the police: Detective Trupo (Josh Brolin) works with the existing drug lords, grabs their drugs and money and then recycles both to his benefit. During a particular drug bust, Richie and Lou discover a stash of nearly a million dollars and turn the money into the police - a deed that makes the duo seem foolish and lose the respect of their fellow cops but establishes Roberts as a man who is committed to being a good detective.
From these two separate studies the film weaves the development of each character and the interaction between Roberts and Lucas we know will take place. The end result may be known to those who followed the story as it developed in the 1970s, but for those for whom this true story is new information, the resolution of the film is fast-paced, thrilling, illuminating, and just plain fine cinema. Both Washington and Crowe are in peak form, as are those in the many small roles (Ruby Dee, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Lymari Nadal, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding etc). This is more of a drama than an action film and while many may feel the final moments of the movie are weak, they do reveal the true ending of the story and say a lot about the narrow line between crime and criminal investigation. This is one of Ridley Scott's most successful films and one that will be around for many years as a model for the medium. Grady Harp, February 08
Excellently acted and directed, but . . . December 12, 2007
92 out of 123 found this review helpful
we've been here many times before. This film offers nothing new to the genre, but it is still a terrific film.
Ridley Scott is an already proven director who is well overdue for an Oscar, but just what attracted him to this story is something of a mystery. Perhaps being a diverse director with films like the first Alien and Gladiator he wanted to add another genre to his credits and that is admirable (more admirable than Martin Scorsese who keeps making the same film over and over again and then wonders where the Oscar is). However, Scott could have selected a gangster film that didn't include so many tributes to better films in the genre (The Godfather, The Untouchables and Serpico come to mind). In this regard the film disappoints even though Scott directs his great cast in both subtle and stylized fashion. He deserves kudos for his efforts if not for the end result.
Speaking of the cast, it is hard to criticize Crowe and Washington, however, their roles are not very original and Crowe, while good, pales in comparison to the ever-charismatic Washington who is simply playing a variation of his Oscar-winning character in Training Day. Crowe is simply playing a more subdued version of Al Pacino's Serpico role of the honest, but conflicted cop up against criminal elements both within the police force and outside of it and it takes its toll on his personal life. I know much has also been made about Cuba Goodling's cameo role in this film, but there is seriously nothing great here. It's a whole lot of news about nothing really. I do not see Oscar nods for anyone in this film as solid as they are; they just never reach that level of excellence. In fact, I don't see Oscars for this film at all as the plot and characters are too familiar, the film needed editing/trimming, the photography is too often murky (even out of focus at times), and the music was often monotonous or just plain forgettable.
Okay, Steve, then why give four stars to a film in which I have so many negative things to say? Well, as I've said this before in other reviews, just because a film has some significant flaws doesn't mean it isn't entertaining. I greatly enjoyed this film. Washington, while not giving an Oscar-caliber performance this time around, is always compelling to watch. Crowe is sympathetic and believable as the cop out to bring down Washington. In addition, he story does have its clever moments and plot twists and just as Brian DePalma wisely had few scenes in his The Untouchables wherein Eliot Ness (Costner) and Al Capone (DeNiro) actually face off, this film follows in that same vein. Washington and Crowe share very little screen time and in this kind of story that approached worked for which the writers and the director deserve praise. Lastly, while Ridley Scott does nothing boldly new with his entry into this genre, he is a top-notch director who is only a little off his game with this film.
I don't think many will be disappointed with this film if they go into it with lower expectations. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to purchasing it when it's released on DVD. It has good repeat value and I hope the DVD has extras that include background on the true story on which it is loosely based.
Warning: As a parent of a 15 year old and an 11 year old, I'm careful about what my kids view, but I have been known to let them see some R rated films on rare occasions, but only at home where we can talk about what we are viewing. I've recently started seeing some R films with just my son as he is extremely mature and is obviously growing up and out of many PG and PG-13 kind of films. His first really "mature" film was the recent Michael Clayton with George Clooney and he loved that. It's mature in that its both R rated for language and adult content, and is story/character-driven and not propelled by mindless violence and sexuality. This film, American Gangster, was his second mature film. He is a huge Denzel fan and he loves mobster films, so this was a "must-see" for him. While there is no nudity in the brief sex scene in this film, there is considerable nudity as Denzel's character has nude girls make his drug packages. They are nude so that they can't hide any drugs on them. The scenes lack any sexuality to them, but it is nudity just the same (and there is quite a bit of it). As a parent of a middle teen, I was okay with it and my son handled these scenes maturely, but I thought it fair to mention this to other parents who may be in the same boat as myself raising maturing teenagers.
With Respect,
Steve
I Now Pronounce You Frank and Richie November 25, 2007
31 out of 48 found this review helpful
This is a very long and dark film based on a true story (with embellishments), and is set in Harlem and New Jersey during the time of the Vietnam War.
The first part of the story is about Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) a driver and enforcer for a leading Harlem gangster, who decides to get his own piece of the action when his boss passes away. Lucas goes about his business by getting his goods direct from the source, cutting out the middlemen and selling a high quality product for a more affordable price. By keeping a low profile, he stays under the radar and becomes very popular in Harlem, loved by all his loyal customers. He marries a beauty queen, takes his mother to church, and encourages his family to join him as business associates.
Unfortunately, Lucas runs a heroin dealership, his customers are addicts, his friends are all in the business and he isn't afraid to eliminate his competition when and where necessary. This makes for a complex character that you'll love to hate, and Washington does a believable job as a bad guy.
The second part of the story is about Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) an honest New Jersey detective who doesn't think twice before turning in mob money, and who is attending night school to become a lawyer. Like Lucas, Roberts also has another side, and his Boy Scout image is tarnished by his impending divorce due to his womanizing and neglect of his young son. Roberts is given the job of stamping out drug trafficking, and this eventually leads to a meeting of the two protagonists.
The movie brings out the seamy nature of the drug trade, and the resulting corruption, decay, greed and power that comes with it, but also sends a message that timely cooperation can sometimes tip the scales of justice in your favor. It takes too long to get started, includes quite a few unnecessary bits in the middle, and wraps up too quickly in a manner that's a bit hard to swallow.
Recommended for people who like dark dramas, long movies, gangsters, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, but not for anybody else.
Rated: 3.5 stars
Amanda Richards, November 25, 2007
Eliminating the Middle Man December 28, 2007
18 out of 25 found this review helpful
(4.5) Ridley Scott's `American Gangster' has the look and feel of its era. Shot the old-fashioned way, the film brought three films to my mind: `The French Connection,' `The Godfather,' and `Serpico'. They don't make `em like they used to, but Scott really resurrects the seventies in this true tale story of Black organized crime--never told quite this way in movies to my mind. Even the details are transporting: the Nixon and Vietnam broadcasts, Muhammad Ali on a small black and white television, and newly acquired microwaves take us to Harlem and connecting places during that time.
Frank Lewis (Denzel Washington) is smart. His boss, Bumpy, passed away with much fanfare, but gives Frank, his former driver and apprentice, a chance to fill his shoes. Knowing how keep inconspicuous, Frank goes about life business as usual. He is flanked by celebrities and knows to stay away from his heroin operation unless absolutely necessary. Some of the tensest scenes come from confrontations he has with others who draw too much attention to themselves, and much of the violence is on a par with 'Goodfellas'.
On his trail without knowing it, is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), an officer going to school to become a lawyer. He has everything stacked against him. Like Serpico he refuses to take money from bribes or drug busts, which is very tempting since he has to go to court over custody of his son. His partner seems to go along with him until it is revealed that he is doing drug busts to benefit from the graft. Trying to revamp the entire Drug Enforcement Agency, Richie must face a dishonest fellow officer from New Jersey (Josh Brolin) who as a top drug enforcement official, gains the most from bribes that keep the drug operation on the street. Trying to find new fellow recruits (like John Hawke) that are both honest and competent is a trial in itself.
To keep even more unassuming, Frank makes his own connections to Bankok, where he notes heroin is the purest and a connection is stationed in Vietnam. Noting also that there is a high addiction rate among soldiers helps him to smuggle the smack with relative ease. Also learning a business principle from an appliance store, Frank eliminates the middle man--in more ways than one. This maneuvering also gives Frank more leverage when negotiating with the Italian Mafia, whom he reduces in revenue and importance.
Besides an intricate story, Ridley Scott offers the best aspects of celebrated seventies movies. Denzel Washington is as smooth as ever, and Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin, and Chiwetel Ejiofor are in fine form, especially comparing their other roles this year in '3:10 to Yuma,' `No Country for Old Men,' and `Talk to Me' respectively.
When Frank's family leaves church with the sounds of "Amazing Grace," one can't help but think of `The Godfather' where Michael Carleone (Al Pacino) witnesses his son's baptism as scenes of blood and violence interrupt the images of stained glass and solace in the church. One of the great draws of this film is how it demonstrates so many ironies working together in one true life gangster story. Just like `Traffic` before it, `American Gangster' offers that supply and demand is a mighty tool that can make or break people's lives. As Frank himself says, "Either you're somebody or you're nobody." What I liked so much about the film is that even with the grim contrast between haves and have nots, the movie left me with hope, which is a good way to leave a film. (Based on the book `Return of the Superfly'.)
Strong Acting Propels Familiar Crime Saga August 17, 2008
18 out of 18 found this review helpful
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.
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