American Gangster

7

BillyS.Nov 6, 2007

I think the critics went a little overboard on this one, it's a very good crime drama but not in the league of The Godfather, Goodfellas or even The Departed. This is more like separate stories of Serpico and Tony Soprano, with a little I think the critics went a little overboard on this one, it's a very good crime drama but not in the league of The Godfather, Goodfellas or even The Departed. This is more like separate stories of Serpico and Tony Soprano, with a little of Michael Mann's Heat as the two above-the-title stars don't actually meet up until one scene near the end. Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe have become a potent box office team but American Gangster belongs to Denzel Washington, once again playing the heavy and like Training Day, a probable Oscar nod for Best Actor. He is brilliant and it's his storyline that really makes the movie sail through 2 and a half hours. All credits are superb especially Harris Savides' cinematography. If you're expecting this years The Departed you'll be disappointed, but go if you want to see Denzel Washington at his absolute best.… Expand

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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

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

10

Sydneyf.Nov 5, 2007

mesmerizing! Awesome performance by Denzel Washington. The next American crime film classic.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

HughieNov 5, 2007

Nothing all that special. Great actors in an ok film.

2 of 6 users found this helpful

2

DenS.Nov 5, 2007

In Philadelphia we believed Denzel Washington's transformation. In Glory we believed his hatred and pride. There is no question that he is one of our finest actors. But this is not one of his finest moments. Nothing in this movie makes In Philadelphia we believed Denzel Washington's transformation. In Glory we believed his hatred and pride. There is no question that he is one of our finest actors. But this is not one of his finest moments. Nothing in this movie makes us care about any of it's actors. The performances seem wooden. Because I know that we're dealing with fine actors and one of the best directors of all time, I have to blame the script-- It gives none of its actors a platform to create a character or a sentiment that we care about. It's all facts. But even if it was a documentary, it still wouldn't be a good one. Information you don't need is all over and information you want is lacking. Plot points are explained in 30 second sequences and then left. There is not one single moment in this movie where I felt the least bit connected to these characters. And I'm pretty much a master of SoD. Where are the Emperor's cloths? He has none. This movie sucks.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

7

JAyE.Nov 5, 2007

With the caliber of actors and directing I expected much more. The attention to minor details left the movie lacking depth.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

PepperD.Nov 5, 2007

Though not perfect, "American Gangster" is good enough to be rated with some of the very good gangster movies, such as "Scarface". I was mesmerized and it didn't seem like a 2-1/2 hour movie!

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

7

LiefS.Nov 4, 2007

Denzel saved the movie a bit too much, he played an awesome gangster but there were few moments it seemed that you noticed the week points, like who put t.i and common playing along side Denzel. it only created a cheezy feeling you kept Denzel saved the movie a bit too much, he played an awesome gangster but there were few moments it seemed that you noticed the week points, like who put t.i and common playing along side Denzel. it only created a cheezy feeling you kept getting reminded of… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

KarthikR.Nov 4, 2007

Excellent movie to watch. Denzel Washington is great. He is the probably one of the best actors in American Hollywood history. I like to watch Denzel Washington's movies.He is great as a gangster in the movie. Russel Crowe also has done Excellent movie to watch. Denzel Washington is great. He is the probably one of the best actors in American Hollywood history. I like to watch Denzel Washington's movies.He is great as a gangster in the movie. Russel Crowe also has done a great job in the movie.overall the movie is great.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

JoeW.Nov 3, 2007

Beautiful in all the right ways, harsh in the same ones.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

MyraMNov 3, 2007

Great performances by Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

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

9

TimmyT.Nov 3, 2007

Great movie and the acting is terrific. By the way, the moderators should remove the JCs below because he/she is trying to influence the score by posting under different aliases of 'JC' in a number of forums on this website.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

AnonymousNov 3, 2007

Incredible movie. Denzel Washington's performance alone is worth the price of admission.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

BibliotechaS.Nov 3, 2007

Great movie! I don't usually watch black movies, but this one was awesome! Denzel's mom was strong! Reminded me of the oracle in the Matrix. Anyhow, this movie was bad Ass. Nudity, drugs, violence, what more could you ask? The Great movie! I don't usually watch black movies, but this one was awesome! Denzel's mom was strong! Reminded me of the oracle in the Matrix. Anyhow, this movie was bad Ass. Nudity, drugs, violence, what more could you ask? The camera work rocked! The movie was dark. Cuba Gooding, usually a sucky actor, did good. While long, it didn't Feel that long. I don't know why Denzel would marry Miss Puerto Rico, though. Why doesn't he just stick to his race? That in itself should have gotten him 10 years sentence at most.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

LamarW.Nov 3, 2007

Really, really, good movie. I don't see why people have a problem with this movie. I saw it today and I loved it. 10.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

JanNov 3, 2007

A bit too violent, but the acting was superb!!! Denzel and Russell should both have academy award nominations for this movie

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

GrantW.Nov 3, 2007

Not the best gangster movie ever, but pretty close. Great story, great acting, overall a great movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

YueXNov 3, 2007

here we go again, People are giving one of the greatest movie this year a bad rating, but are support stupid movies such as Dragon wars, Transformers, and the Saw 4, omg, people study film first, dont just watch it without looking into the here we go again, People are giving one of the greatest movie this year a bad rating, but are support stupid movies such as Dragon wars, Transformers, and the Saw 4, omg, people study film first, dont just watch it without looking into the storyline, this has one of the best story line, I mean, sure, there has been a lot of gangster movies where it shows the cop and the gangster's side of the story but this was based on a true story. I thought it was one of the best this year. And also, it has two of the world's most talented actors; Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe. Now who ever is saying that this movie sucks, take film studies, and also to those who supports cheesy movies such as Dragon wars,Transformers and Rush Hour 3, you should stop reviewing movies, cause you have no idea, what youre talking about, thank you.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

DarrylNov 3, 2007

Somewhere between The French Connection and The Godfather.. an amazing film that took me back in time, GO SEE THIS MOVIE !

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

JayH.Nov 3, 2007

Denzel Washington's performance was stunningly superb, perhaps his finest yet. The sheer ability to mold and delve into his character shows that he has reached the highest echelons of acting. Crowe, on the other hand, was slightly Denzel Washington's performance was stunningly superb, perhaps his finest yet. The sheer ability to mold and delve into his character shows that he has reached the highest echelons of acting. Crowe, on the other hand, was slightly disappointing. The character seemed to large for the actor. There were several moments where he seemed quite "cheesy" and unconvincing, definitely not the Gladiator material we have seen before. Washington's dramatic display clearly overshadows that of Crowe. Ridley Scott's direction was sublime, as he flawlessly portrayed Harlem during the time period -- a period of darkness for New York City in the 1970's. The ending was somewhat unsatisfying, as the recently released Frank Lucas stands on the sidewalk, pondering his fate, and his next move.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

BrentoniNov 3, 2007

Convincing acting. Well directed. Suspenseful score. I highly recommend it.

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

10

AndyL.Nov 2, 2007

Fantastic cinematography, acting, and producing.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

0

JakeD.Nov 2, 2007

I mean really, Scott is THE most overrated director working. Gladiator was such a horrible mess that we might have to go back and rethink Alien and Blade Runner. The two leads are of course spectacular, but what waste, what kitsch, what crap!

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

JoyceC.Nov 2, 2007

A bore, carries on in a stupid script, the actors do not magnify, they suck. The direction is poor, and the whole production is just over the top crap.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

RE.Nov 2, 2007

Excellent movie. Great action. Great tension. Very realistic. It kept me interested throuhout.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

donttownNov 2, 2007

Denzel is amazing as always!!! awesome movie i think i wanna see it about 700 times then get the dvd, watch all the features, then get all the merchandise, then model my life after Denzel's performance.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

DT...Nov 2, 2007

Great movie based on a great story.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

EnyaT.Nov 1, 2007

Really solid film.

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

10

JaredC.Oct 30, 2007

"American Gangster!" Who wouldn't enjoy a film directed by Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, and Oscar winning starts, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. These actors have finally collided into an "American Gangster!" Who wouldn't enjoy a film directed by Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, and Oscar winning starts, Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. These actors have finally collided into an electrifying performance. I saw the poster of this film in a run down theatre and it looked pretty exciting because at the time, I was into Scorsese Mob films, and the title said: American Gangster Starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. What I film. After watching the trailer, I couldn't wait a damn moment until it came out. All these sweat and awesome commercials viewing it, my god, I wanted to watch it so badly. But apparently, I saw it in a special screening a week before it came out. There were lots of folks there from all walks of life and all ages - the movie seemed to go over very well with everyone in the room. Washington and Crowe work well together as the troubled stars in this film and basically the main attraction for people to go see it was their appearance. It was also a little too long and more dramatic than expected, but it still had good dialogue to make it entertaining. Also, I've seen some real stinkers at the movies recently (I won't bother you with the list because it's too long) so it was refreshing to see that movies can still be well made with characters you can care about and root for. Since the movie wasn't finished at the time I got to see it, I look forward to enjoying the movie again at local movie theatre. A pure modern-gangster classic.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

0

OmarC.Oct 30, 2007

I hate you this movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

JerryWOct 29, 2007

I guess I can understand what David Edelstein is saying in his review, but he's not understanding what the point of the movie is. It's not about blood, or long violent scenes like Scarface(that's what sells, right?). It's I guess I can understand what David Edelstein is saying in his review, but he's not understanding what the point of the movie is. It's not about blood, or long violent scenes like Scarface(that's what sells, right?). It's about history. It's also about telling the truth while keeping it interesting. Weird, isn't it? This movie is not "rapid" or "hectic", it's perfect in pace. Is it "poised to be a major commercial hit"? Depends on your definition of poised. This movie certainly has what it takes to get under the skin of the average movie goer, and still entertain those who truly love Hollywood when it allows real style and grace to the surface, while still shocking us with truth. Washington is as good as he'll ever be, and, don't fool yourself for a moment, he'll get a best actor nod for this. Crowe is a little light, but being honest isn't supposed to be any other way. He'll get a nod for supporting actor. The movie will surely be on the "best" list as well, and it deserves to be. A true American Classic!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

MichaelA.Oct 29, 2007

Fantastic film. Great director, actors!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

American Gangster

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