Film Review: American Gangster
American Gangster is the story of gangster Frank Lucas and his rise to power. Starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington, and directed by Ridley Scott, there are plenty of big names involved. Do they succeed at making the next great crime drama? Is the movie worth your drug hard-earned money?
Since seeing the trailer for American Gangster months ago, I have been awaiting it with eager anticipation. The trailer itself was excellent, and got me excited for an intelligent crime film. Sadly, I ended up buying a ticket for nearly three hours of a boring attempt at a crime epic.
The acting is actually quite good. Both Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington deliver their now-typical amazing performances. The contrast between these two characters is interesting, but it is weak in comparison to fellow crime-drama The Departed. The story is not compelling in the slightest, even though it does have some great characters to use. It does not help that many moments are lifted directly from Scarface.
The movie also brings back memories of Zodiac as a period piece. The setting is wonderfully done, and presents the early seventies in expert fashion. However, many portions feel completely forced and unnatural. The tirade about racism towards the end makes absolutely no sense within the context of the film. It also seems to glorify Frank Lucas’s empire as some sort of achievement. American Gangster is neither a sobering look at drug culture nor an exciting trip back thirty years. It fails as a gangster movie.
The film is at least halfway true to its title in the sense that is in every way American. It is greedy, extremely violent, obsessed with sex, and consumed by drugs. It also talks too much, and is saturated with narcissism. It never realizes its potential…and it certainly is not worth your dollar.
4/10
Note: I also find it hard to be entertained by a movie glamorizing the druglord lifestyle with the current state of things.
November 3rd, 2007 | 1:06 pm
Like you said, the preview for this movie was awesome. I haven’t seen it yet, but am disappointed by what I read in your review.
November 5th, 2007 | 7:28 pm
I would agree with some parts of your review. Areas could have been improved. The movie was still very entertaining, You gave the 3-D childrens movie, TMNT a 7.5. You gave this movie a 4. What are you thinking. I think that beard might have got to your head.
November 5th, 2007 | 7:39 pm
TMNT was a fun and entertaining movie. American Gangster was three hours of Denzel getting angry. Hence, TMNT receives the higher rating. Still, thank you for the comment.
November 11th, 2007 | 2:09 am
While I agree that it did not live up to The Departed, I was highly entertained. The acting was incredible. It seems as if you think that this was something that was created, but it was a true story and from what I hear it stuck to what really happened pretty well. Also, how did Frank Costello and Co. make money in the Departed? Tony Montana? How did Jack Sparrow make his booty (and his booty) in Pirates? Drugs, illegal activity and piracy. Yet, everyone loves the villians in these movies. So why is Frank Lucas have to be different because of Andy Reid’s idiotic sons? I do agree that it was not as good as I expected or as good as it was portrayed, but a 4 is a bit undeserving in my opinion. On a good note, you now have another reader of your site.
November 12th, 2007 | 8:31 pm
I have yet to seen the movie, and after listening to Jay-Z’s new album “American Gangster” (which is horrible), my desire to see the film has greatly decreased. However, after reading the comments from Astartes and Psycho Ward, I would like to be able to see where all three of you (Josh, TJ, and Justin) get your opinions from. Thank you Vinatieri.
November 12th, 2007 | 11:31 pm
[...] is certainly the strongest piece of The Departed. When I compare it to recent releases like American Gangster, I appreciate it even [...]