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American Gangster
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Denzel Washington
Genre:
Drama
Run Time: 157
min.
Release Date:
November 2007
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
Better known for his sci-fi
and action films like ALIEN, GLADIATOR, BLACK HAWK DOWN,
and the timeless BLADE RUNNER, Ridley Scott here proves that he
can run with the best directors out there today.
Stepping easily into the crime-drama genre, Scott has pulled gold-plated
platinum out of his hat with AMERICAN GANGSTER. In no small
measure is this film’s success due to him but also to a cast that played
their roles to a tee.
We’ll start with Denzel Washington (DEJA
VU). Undeniably his best role since TRAINING DAY,
Washington’s sympathetic portrayal of the brutal drug dealing Frank
Lucas comes barreling out at the audience and we are immediately swept
up in his story. After witnessing the death of his “boss”, Lucas steps
in and steps up his plans for making a living in ‘downstate New York.’
Using the Vietnam War as a launch pad for his successful import of pure
heroin, Frank Lucas becomes an unknown underground success. He’s a
loving son to his aging mother (played perfectly by Ruby Dee), and a
generous family guy to his many brothers. But he’s also a brutal
business man in a world where guns, money and drugs mix to form deadly
results.
Now let’s talk about Denzel’s protagonist (our antagonist, if you will),
Russell Crowe (3:10 TO YUMA). Crowe’s performance as Detective Richie
Roberts is on-par with Washington’s Lucas, and although we never see
them in each others’ company until the very end of the film, the
audience can feel the tension between these two opposing men and know
that a collision is coming. Crowe’s voice dialect of Richie Roberts is
astonishing, and he carries it off during some amazing scenes. The one
that stands out is when he and his team rush into Lucas’ drug stronghold
and bust up the operation.
Because this story is based on fact, it makes it all the more
interesting. We know that Detective Roberts was battling many things
during his takedown of Lucas, including a child custody case between
himself and his estranged wife, played exceptionally well by Carla
Gugino (NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM), and his attempt (and success) at passing
the Bar Exam. We also know that Roberts and Lucas ended up cooperating
together and brought to light the largest police corruption case New
York has ever seen.
Most impressive about this film is that there isn’t very much action
until the end, but the mounting tension between Lucas and Richie is
palpable with each subsequent scene; something that impressed me greatly
and gave more adoration for director Scott’s abilities.
If you want to see one of 2007's greatest films, this one should be in
your top ten.
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Image from American
Gangster
DVD cost: $19.99
Purchase:
Tower.com (Blu-Ray)
Film Review Stew
Favorite?
Yes.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
While filming on-location
in the Chiang Mai province of Thailand, Ridley Scott hired many extras
from the local villages, some of whom were actual participants in the
drug-running operation of Frank Lucas during the Vietnam War.
Movie Quote: "This
is my home. My country."
Other Actors/Actresses
from American Gangster
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