1. JaredC.

   10

   "American Gangster!" Who wouldn't enjoy a film directed by Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, and Oscar winning starts, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. These actors have finally collided into an electrifying performance. I saw the poster of this film in a run down theatre and it looked pretty exciting because at the time, I was into Scorsese Mob films, and the title said: American Gangster Starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. What I film. After watching the trailer, I couldn't wait a damn moment until it came out. All these sweat and awesome commercials viewing it, my god, I wanted to watch it so badly. But apparently, I saw it in a special screening a week before it came out. There were lots of folks there from all walks of life and all ages - the movie seemed to go over very well with everyone in the room. Washington and Crowe work well together as the troubled stars in this film and basically the main attraction for people to go see it was their appearance. It was also a little too long and more dramatic than expected, but it still had good dialogue to make it entertaining. Also, I've seen some real stinkers at the movies recently (I won't bother you with the list because it's too long) so it was refreshing to see that movies can still be well made with characters you can care about and root for. Since the movie wasn't finished at the time I got to see it, I look forward to enjoying the movie again at local movie theatre. A pure modern-gangster classic.… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 1 users said Yes.
2. wololooo

   8

   American Gangster is Ridley Scott's first attempt at an epic gangster flick, and an impressive achievement. Scott borrows heavily from Scarface and Goodfellas in his tale of Frank's rise from unknown affiliate to drug kingpin, and the increasing paranoia and desperation that come with such a transformation. American Gangster feels more like a slightly dumbed-down tribute to these gangster masterpieces, rather than something equally sublime. That being said, American Gangster is one of the finest gangster films of recent years, if a little rough around the edges. At two and a half hours, it definitely felt as though some scenes could have been shortened, or even cut out altogether. The lengthy viewing time also made some of the drama feel a little forced and overexaggerated. Washington is fantastic as the polite and charismatic (but also ruthless) Lucas, and gives one of the best performances of his career. Crowe is a little overshadowed by Washington, but nevertheless does a fine job. The cinematography is near-perfect, the soundtrack complementing the 70's setting and role of the Vietnam War in the film was unexpected but certainly a nice touch. All in all, American Gangster is a fine addition to the dozens of gangster films out there, but it's unlikely it'll be cherished as a classic.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
3. louiseG.

   7

   Good. But in connecting the dots you find there are some dots missing. The end feels like an uneasy compromise for the film's length and had enough morla and character content to have filled another movie. The relationship and respect between Russel Crowe and Denzel was a refreshing idea, and could have floated a boat in itself. The relationship at the beginning with his boss gets your attention and feels important and intrigues you, but those elements are left to just taper off. Perhaps a prequel and a sequel were aces up the sleeve of the film from the very beginning. A taunting idea, yet doubtful. Still, even with a tease of a start and a rush of an end, the middle should not be ignored. Solid and very respectable. A must-see for sure.… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 1 users said Yes.
4. Ossobuco

   4

   Denzel is a snore (though that might just be his signature method), Crowe is so-so, the movie is a chaotic mess and soooooo pointlessly long and I love the scene towards the end where this psycho who has destroyed more live than your average serial killer is portrayed as a deep down inside nice guy.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.

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