An outcast New York City copy is charged with bringing down Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, whose real life inspired this partly biographical film.
Denzel Washington (Frank), Russell Crowe (Richie), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Huey), Josh Brolin (Det. Trupo), Ruby Dee (Mama Lucas), Lymari Nadal (Eva), Ted Levine (Lou), Roger Smith (Nate), John Hawkes (Freddie).
American Gangster begins by showing us how Frank learned to be a gangster. At the same time we have a parallel storyline with disenfranchised cop Richie. The film takes a breath and lets the two main characters spin for a little bit before Frank finds a crime niche to exploit and Richie is tasked with stopping large drug dealers. The remainder of the film is an intricate and well told story of how their lives come together.
Acting was very good here with Washington delivering a very good performance. Crowe also did well and seemed to fit his role nicely. Brolin was well cast in a role he has seen and managed before. Dee was wonderful as Mama Lucas, while the remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with a realistic, time appropriate feel. Action scenes were on the mild side but solid throughout. Dialogue was good with nice depth and plot movement. Sound and soundtrack are good.
Overall American Gangster is a solid Crime Drama built from a nice biographical background. The film moves along well, finds very good depth, and enjoys well done acting and technical work. Those who enjoy a solid Crime Drama or Crime Biography should enjoy this one.
With a fair amount of nudity, sexuality, graphic violence, gore, foul language, and persistent drug use, save this for the oldest teens and above.
Released: 2007
Reviewed: 1.28.19
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Crime Drama, Crime Biography, Drama
copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel
Denzel Washington (Frank), Russell Crowe (Richie), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Huey), Josh Brolin (Det. Trupo), Ruby Dee (Mama Lucas), Lymari Nadal (Eva), Ted Levine (Lou), Roger Smith (Nate), John Hawkes (Freddie).
American Gangster begins by showing us how Frank learned to be a gangster. At the same time we have a parallel storyline with disenfranchised cop Richie. The film takes a breath and lets the two main characters spin for a little bit before Frank finds a crime niche to exploit and Richie is tasked with stopping large drug dealers. The remainder of the film is an intricate and well told story of how their lives come together.
Acting was very good here with Washington delivering a very good performance. Crowe also did well and seemed to fit his role nicely. Brolin was well cast in a role he has seen and managed before. Dee was wonderful as Mama Lucas, while the remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with a realistic, time appropriate feel. Action scenes were on the mild side but solid throughout. Dialogue was good with nice depth and plot movement. Sound and soundtrack are good.
Overall American Gangster is a solid Crime Drama built from a nice biographical background. The film moves along well, finds very good depth, and enjoys well done acting and technical work. Those who enjoy a solid Crime Drama or Crime Biography should enjoy this one.
With a fair amount of nudity, sexuality, graphic violence, gore, foul language, and persistent drug use, save this for the oldest teens and above.
Released: 2007
Reviewed: 1.28.19
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Crime Drama, Crime Biography, Drama
copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel
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