American Gangster
Universal Pictures | Release Date: November 2, 2007
7.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 454 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
360
Mixed:
67
Negative:
27
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
5
HughieNov 5, 2007
Nothing all that special. Great actors in an ok film.
2 of 6 users found this helpful
4
[Anonymous]Feb 29, 2008
Movie itself was good.. the story sucks. He should have been shot for getting his entire family killed or arrested, and being a snitch, Good acting, poor story.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
amheretojudgeJan 16, 2019
Empty Threats. Empty Guns.

American Gangster Scott's reign over the mean streets often comes out as a fatal attempt of conjuring Scorsese's richness on uncouth mannerism, either way it's a big old sunken ship from the beginning. Ironically,Empty Threats. Empty Guns.

American Gangster

Scott's reign over the mean streets often comes out as a fatal attempt of conjuring Scorsese's richness on uncouth mannerism, either way it's a big old sunken ship from the beginning. Ironically, despite of ticking for more than two hours, it barely offers us the content of half an hour, give or take. The major disappointment is the build up of each sequences, which are perpetually on mark, but unfortunately the high pitched dramatic scene itself falls on mediocrity. Against all odds, the film is cornered by its semantics, since the biggest bombshell would be Zaillian; the writer, who has managed to write the weakest script of his career.

As far as Scott- behind the camera- is concerned, he does utilize the caliber of the cast to the last drop, but there isn't enough concrete material to walk on. Washington, in the bad boy coat, is a threat to watch out for, his rage empowers not only on the characters but on the viewers too. And to balance the tone on the other side is, Crowe as the complex yet better person to root on, frankly his personal life has much more to offer than his professional, no matter how much limited it is.

Spicing up their relationship, lies Brolin's challenging performance that is explored the least among all. Despite of having such an electrifying performances, the conversation aren't zazzy enough to spark up the screen as it was anticipated and the apt example would be when Brolin and Washington goes head to head; the trash talk is just not working. And the rest of the time is spent upon creating the stereotypical montages like the loss of consciousness, the rudimentary investigation process and an imperial party gone wrong. American Gangster neither is Americana nor gangster-ous enough to define it cinematically.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
Sosmooth1982Apr 16, 2023
Love gangster movies. Denzel Washington's one of the best to ever do it. All his movies are good.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
ClintT.Jan 20, 2008
This is a thoroughly overrated film certainly undeserving of the rave reviews it got. I wasn
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JosieQ.Nov 7, 2007
I thought the action was slow and lame, the focus seemed to be in all the bad places and some important details we're misplaced. Even thought, Denzel kept us entertained with his amazing acting.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
BrianRNov 8, 2007
There was much to look at, but little to really appreciate. In terms of story, there is nothing new to this film in the least. There are visual and thematic reminders of many other, and many better, crime films. In the end, this film There was much to look at, but little to really appreciate. In terms of story, there is nothing new to this film in the least. There are visual and thematic reminders of many other, and many better, crime films. In the end, this film strangely glorifies a truly dangerous and despicable man -- someone who has contributed mightily to the detriment of black and inner city people in America. The film seems to be mostly indifferent to that fact. The acting is fine (Denzel is getting to mannered, though -- whats with the "My man" phrase in every performance now?) and the look is accomplished, but the movie is generally a bore.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
RandallV.Feb 27, 2008
Great acting, Shakespearian plot, where all characters get their just desserts in the end, but the story moves along too inevitably and predictably for the viewer to feel it is true-to-life.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JackB.Mar 24, 2008
This film is completely watchable, and not boring. But given that you had a formerly great director (Ridley Scott) working with a truly great actor (Denzel Washington) on a story with real potential for depth, it was amazingly flat. No real This film is completely watchable, and not boring. But given that you had a formerly great director (Ridley Scott) working with a truly great actor (Denzel Washington) on a story with real potential for depth, it was amazingly flat. No real development of Denzel's character, despite some interesting possibilities (he'd just gotten back from Vietnam in 1968! And he came back to Harlem in the middle of one of its most vibrant and, yes, messed up periods!) You never even get a feeling you're IN Harlem here. Really a surprising failure of a movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
OssobucoMar 29, 2008
Denzel is a snore (though that might just be his signature method), Crowe is so-so, the movie is a chaotic mess and soooooo pointlessly long and I love the scene towards the end where this psycho who has destroyed more live than your average Denzel is a snore (though that might just be his signature method), Crowe is so-so, the movie is a chaotic mess and soooooo pointlessly long and I love the scene towards the end where this psycho who has destroyed more live than your average serial killer is portrayed as a deep down inside nice guy.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BJonesNov 3, 2007
"Pretty disappointing. Had a great story, great actors, and a great director/producer - but somehow it didn't all add up. Overly long and lacking character development." What Andy said a few posts down could not be more true. If the "Pretty disappointing. Had a great story, great actors, and a great director/producer - but somehow it didn't all add up. Overly long and lacking character development." What Andy said a few posts down could not be more true. If the movie were to be summed up in two sentences, those are them. I feel it could have been great if I cared about the characters.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
KathyT.Nov 7, 2007
Rating this movie as a 5 is being generous, and I concede that it only rates that score because of Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. I, too, felt that Frank Lucas was portrayed as somewhat of a hero in this movie and that was terribly Rating this movie as a 5 is being generous, and I concede that it only rates that score because of Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. I, too, felt that Frank Lucas was portrayed as somewhat of a hero in this movie and that was terribly offensive to me. He was an illiterate, cold-blooded, murdering drug lord who used the coffins of our young American soldiers to smuggle his drugs into this country. He killed a lot more people than we can count. Frankly, there had to be more interesting, worthy stories out there to tell. I am even more offended that this man, when interviewed, comes across as very proud and arrogant. After watching his interview on The History Channel, I regret having spent the money to support this movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
ZachHDec 9, 2007
Agree with Ben B above- this is really a very formulaic gangster movie with little originality other than the protagonist being black. The acting was good, but overall I was disappointed.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
GeneLNov 12, 2007
Similar to Michael Mann's Heat, in that the two main actors, Crowe and Washington, do not share the screen until the tail end of the movie, but this film is not as good as Heat. Ridley Scott does a good job of developing the two primary Similar to Michael Mann's Heat, in that the two main actors, Crowe and Washington, do not share the screen until the tail end of the movie, but this film is not as good as Heat. Ridley Scott does a good job of developing the two primary characters, but I found myself not engrossed by their motivations. In the end it really is a run-of-the-mill cops and bad guys flick with some corruption thrown in and cliches. For ex, the obligatory "wife" of the gangster who we don't really care for since her character was not developed. Moreover, we don't care about many of the supporting actors here because the story doesn't really flush them out. I honestly don't understand why the critics are crazy about this flick. It's okay, but really not an instant classic. Performances good. Story mediocre.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
HalB.Nov 14, 2007
A disappointing film. Wants to be Godfather (or maybe Scarface?), but falls well short. The performances are solid, the direction is strong and there are some good scenes. But the story as a whole just doesn't rise above a good A disappointing film. Wants to be Godfather (or maybe Scarface?), but falls well short. The performances are solid, the direction is strong and there are some good scenes. But the story as a whole just doesn't rise above a good made-for-TV effort. There's one particularly senseless scene of violence that I guess is supposed to depict just how brutal Denzel's character is... but it's pretty unbelievable when you think about it. And the ending, after all the horrible things that Denzel and his crime organization is responsible for, falls flat. Suddenly he and Crowe's character are good buddies? Please...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JanaW.Nov 15, 2007
At the beginning the movie is quite confusing. For a long time one cannot really see what the strand of the black gangster boss who sets up his business with drugs has to do with the strand of the detective and his strange friends. Only when At the beginning the movie is quite confusing. For a long time one cannot really see what the strand of the black gangster boss who sets up his business with drugs has to do with the strand of the detective and his strange friends. Only when the cop becomes the head of a special comission against drugs one starts to understand. Sometimes the movie is quite cruel but I really like the end with the two opposites of the church and the raid and the following trial.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
HeatherNov 2, 2007
High expectations leave a lot of room for disappointment. The film didn't compel me and I wasn't emotionally touched by any of the characters. Just when I started to feel some interest, it fast-forwarded in time, leaving the most High expectations leave a lot of room for disappointment. The film didn't compel me and I wasn't emotionally touched by any of the characters. Just when I started to feel some interest, it fast-forwarded in time, leaving the most important details to be told in words, and not through story development. A real disappointment!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BenB.Nov 30, 2007
I'm sorry to all those who liked this movie, but I was very disappointed. The brilliant advertising campaign for this movie forgot to include that this movie was only for those with time to waste. Russell Crowe's performance was I'm sorry to all those who liked this movie, but I was very disappointed. The brilliant advertising campaign for this movie forgot to include that this movie was only for those with time to waste. Russell Crowe's performance was very believable, with Denzel Washington's less impressive, but decent. The script here (Scarface with a conscience?) was pretty much like every gangster movie ever made but - guess what! - the main character is African American! That's a great reason to rehash every sad gangster cliche ever penned! The writers of this movie should be forced to make the script more intelligent and the character of Denzel Washington more believable. A disappointment.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
SoWeightlessNov 4, 2007
To mention this film alongside an original crime masterpiece like Scarface or a modern epic like Heat is a travesty. Surely, the actual events the film is based on carried more insight, intrigue, intensity and human emotion than what is To mention this film alongside an original crime masterpiece like Scarface or a modern epic like Heat is a travesty. Surely, the actual events the film is based on carried more insight, intrigue, intensity and human emotion than what is presented on screen. I love a lot of Ridley Scott's films, Bladerunner, White Squall, Aliens, you name it, but what made those films great and entertaining was their fresh look and depth - depth for detail and fashion, but also character depth. Denzel Washington's character is given presidential treatment here, and the film makes the case for Frank Lucas as a modern day hero. Offensive to me as a black man, that a drug dealer who smuggled heroin in the coffins of U.S. soldiers is immortalized in such a positive light. But besides the ethical questions, the film is all style, boring structure and faux important. Gangster films can be great, but this is posturing. Admit it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
SusanS.Nov 5, 2007
Let me preface this by saying I saw this movie at a 10:15 showing, and I hadn't looked up the run time of the movie, so maybe I was just tired. But I definitely felt every single one of those 157 minutes. I was psyched going into this Let me preface this by saying I saw this movie at a 10:15 showing, and I hadn't looked up the run time of the movie, so maybe I was just tired. But I definitely felt every single one of those 157 minutes. I was psyched going into this movie, but I left feeling tired and slightly irritated. What was the movie about? I don't know, and I don't think Ridley Scott knew either. It's very disjointed and, to me, slightly racist. There didn't seem to be an argument being made, nor was there any definitive through-line. I wanted to care more about Washington's character, but the film wouldn't let me, and I wanted to be more angry at Crowe's character, but he kept being vindicated like a saint. The only message I got in the end was that the good white cop will always win. And that irritated me severely. In conclusion, it was too many characters, not enough plot development, and no message, not even a morally ambiguous one. I realize that it's based on real life, but that's no excuse for shoddy storytelling.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
RichardW.Nov 5, 2007
Long, tedious portrayal of a drug lord as relatively heroic was arduous as opposed to epic.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
DWillyNov 8, 2007
After the huge star salaries for blah their performances and the huge Zallian payday for his blah script, I guess there wasn't any money left to buy the real music playing in Harlem in the early 70s. But since this was actually shot in After the huge star salaries for blah their performances and the huge Zallian payday for his blah script, I guess there wasn't any money left to buy the real music playing in Harlem in the early 70s. But since this was actually shot in nondescript blah Canada that's really fitting. Without a single surprising, moving or gratifying moment.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
TonyB.Dec 17, 2007
This is one of the more overrated films of the year. Oh, it has its good points; Washington and Crowe are superb; the supporting cast is fine and the cinematography and production design are firstrate. However, its much too long and really This is one of the more overrated films of the year. Oh, it has its good points; Washington and Crowe are superb; the supporting cast is fine and the cinematography and production design are firstrate. However, its much too long and really hasn't much to say that hasn't been said before, and said much better. Anyone remember "The Departed?"… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
AndyOct 31, 2007
Pretty disappointing. Had a great story, great actors, and a great director/producer - but somehow it didn't all add up. Overly long and lacking character development.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
BrittH.Nov 17, 2007
It opts for the task of illustrating rather than dramatising the story; thus it delivers very little in the way of tension, but a lot in the way of handsome period detail, where even the people are lovingly-placed props.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JoshB.Dec 26, 2007
Filled with cliches -- we've seen this story many times before. The movie is way too long, and yet the only thing that's different comes at the end (I won't ruin it), and barely any time is spent on it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
micheld.Dec 29, 2007
Could have been a great movie if not for the content
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
johntechwriterMar 20, 2023
Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors, but when he gets it wrong, he goes all the way off the deep end. Example: Prometheus. This film is another stinker, and for many of the same reasons. For some reason, now and then, Ridley cannotRidley Scott is one of my favorite directors, but when he gets it wrong, he goes all the way off the deep end. Example: Prometheus. This film is another stinker, and for many of the same reasons. For some reason, now and then, Ridley cannot transcend the genre he masters in other films. What we end up with is flaccid story development and the industry’s best talent wasted on characters you cannot for a moment take seriously.

As in Denzel Washingston, the gangsta with a heart of gold. Give me a break! Anyone who saw Training Day knows Washington can play malevolent with the best of them. But here his role is so corny, he has nothing to work with. This film is an embarrassment to his career.

The same can be said for Russell Crowe’s performance. This guy tends to be pretty picky about the roles he takes on, but perhaps because this was done earlier in his career, he went along with a weak, phoned-in performance. Very disappointing from one of the most volcanic actors of his tme.

Bad movies have a way of jumping out at you. Within ten minutes of the beginning of this one I realized not a word or a scene was believable. Mostly I blame the writing. As a portrayal of the gangsta lifestyle this is the polar opposite of Scorcese’s Goodfellas, where every character is a rounded human being and their relationships make sense. Because I believed in the director and the leads I stuck this movie out to the end but to no avail. So Ridley, that’s two you owe me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
drewgreat45678Sep 20, 2013
This movie really gets into every corner about the story it is telling. This is a very well executed film, with strong lead performances and great directing style. This is definitely a very good crime film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
davygravy93Dec 23, 2021
Long, boring, stupid.

I did not like American Gangster. In fact there were points in the movie where I hated it. Its possibly the most unoriginal crime drama Iv seen, which would be fine if there were any characters to get attached to butLong, boring, stupid.

I did not like American Gangster. In fact there were points in the movie where I hated it. Its possibly the most unoriginal crime drama Iv seen, which would be fine if there were any characters to get attached to but everyone in the film is either a trope turned up to 11 or has the personality of a brick. The main character Frank has the depth of a puddle, he kills people for money because its convenient and then decides one day that he is gonna travel to a country he has never been to score a heroin deal. Seriously it happens that quick. No planning, no logic, just "his cousin knows a guy". That is pretty much how the entire movie plays out, Denzel does something unbelievable that would be very difficult which doesn't get explained as he makes a mean face, rinse and repeat for 2 and a half hours. The detective is the worst character in the entire movie. The scene where he is one presenting the case against Frank is possibly the dumbest scene in any crime drama, yeah lets let the alcoholic detective prosecute the criminal. The scene where the detective equates Frank to "progress" in the interrogation because he is black is also really stupid, yeah the criminal who murders people and peddles heroin is such a hero, real progressive.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
CalledByCthulhuOct 9, 2020
An enjoyable, if formulaic, crime drama, let down by a ludicrous reimagining of the actual events and the scripting of the Lucas and Roberts characters in the most unrealistic way. This movie gives the facts the Hollywood treatment to aAn enjoyable, if formulaic, crime drama, let down by a ludicrous reimagining of the actual events and the scripting of the Lucas and Roberts characters in the most unrealistic way. This movie gives the facts the Hollywood treatment to a ridiculous degree! Washington and Crowe do the best they can with the material, though. Fun if you switch your brain off.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
NickTheCritickNov 3, 2021
I usually don't like movies about organized criminality but this one results to be a watchable one. Scott is a great director and when he chooses a good screenplay just isn't able to shot a bad movie. This is a nice one indeed.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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