Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Released: 16 November 2007
What's the story?
Based on a true story, American Gangster follows the rise of one of New York's most notorious heroin dealers, Frank Lucas, (Washington) to the very top of the 1970s gangster family tree. Detective Richie Roberts (Crowe) heads up the investigation to bring him down and along the way uncovers lots of nasty truths about the crooked world of cops, the military and the world of the heroin dealers.
What's to like?
As ever Denzel Washington gives us a fantastic performance as the cold and ruthlessly intelligent drug lord without seeing the sort of wise guy that you expect from the likes of Goodfellas or The Sopranos. In fact you always know this man is a nasty piece of work, but cannot help respect the fact that he's damn cool about it. We also like a fine return to form for Russell Crowe as the honest Detective Richie Roberts who is more than a match for Lucas.
Best bit?
When we finally get our two enemies in the same room, mano a mano, and we get to see an entirely unexpected relationship between the two. And of course the fact that this is based on a true story which makes it even more exciting.
Not liking...
The curse of the gangster film where there are so many characters and faces that are critical but we don't get to see enough before they become significant. For instance Cuba Gooding Jr, whose role sets up for a great little battle but sadly ends up being a bit ‘handbags at dawn'.
Verdict
If you fail to love this film we'll make you sleep with the fishes!
Rating
4 out of 5
Website
www.americangangstermovie.co.uk
