American Gangster (R)
Mike:
Mike: Tonight we are reviewing the new film American Gangster
based on the true story of Harlem crime boss Frank Lucas.
Scott was unable to attend the film.
Mike: So what did I think?
I was hoping to see a movie that was a candidate for Best Picture at the Oscars. Unfortunately, that is not what I think we have here. The movie is much too long and lacks any magic that would make it a true Oscar contender. The acting is good, but I don’t see Best Actor Oscars here either. Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts do a good acting job like you would expect. Unfortunately, neither brings anything to these performances that we haven’t seen before.
The supporting cast is impressive, too. I don’t think Chiwetel Ejofor has ever done a less than excellent acting job. Josh Brolin is especially hateful as corrupt Detective Trupo. He actually has you hoping that the bad guy Lucas will rough him up.
Other nice supporting actors include Ruby Dee, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr, Armand Assante, and Clarence Williams III.
The film definitely captures the look of the late 1960s and early 70s. The clothes, the cars and buildings are right on. Even Southeast Asia looks like you would imagine.
The film has two parallel stories that intersect near the end. Roberts becomes an outcast, because he is an honest cop that turns in close to $1 million found during a stakeout. He joins the newly formed drug enforcement task force and jumps into his role with a fierce determination. On the other hand Lucas pulls himself up from driver of a crime boss to a very powerful drug kingpin.
This movie is a good versus evil story based on real life events. The interesting thing is that the good guy has his flaws, while the bad guy is almost likeable. Like in Last King of Scotland, a bad guy seems charming, until he turns around and brutally murders someone. Lucas gives the appearance of someone who is cultured and deeply cares about family, but deep down something is wrong with his wiring. It looks like he has achieved the American Dream, but it is an evil mirror version.
Ridley Scott is an impressive director. He is responsible for gems like Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise and Gladiator. With this kind of work you start to assume everything he does will be brilliant. Don’t get me wrong, this film is well done, it just doesn’t reach out and grab you like you would expect. This movie is very straight forward, and lacks tension or any real surprise. Probably its greatest flaw is its length. At 2 hours and 38 minutes, like many other films of the last few years, American Gangster could seriously benefit from some editing. The ending could use a little work as well. This movie goes on past what should logically be the end. It may be satisfying for some, but it’s not very interesting.
What do I rate this movie?
I give it a 3 overall and a 3 for a crime drama.
This makes me wonder if this year’s Best Picture has been released yet?
