American Gangster

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

6

micheld.Dec 29, 2007

Could have been a great movie if not for the content

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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

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

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

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

5

HughieNov 5, 2007

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

2 of 6 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

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

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

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

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

[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

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

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

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

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

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

All this user's reviews

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

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

All this user's reviews

3

GinaD.Nov 17, 2007

The movie was too long! It truly was not worth it. I felt as if I had seen this Denzel performance 1,000 times. Great build up to a complete let down. Definitely does not rival any of the Godfather sagas. It's more like New Jack City The movie was too long! It truly was not worth it. I felt as if I had seen this Denzel performance 1,000 times. Great build up to a complete let down. Definitely does not rival any of the Godfather sagas. It's more like New Jack City meets the Departed meets the Goodfellas. Yet, it pales in comarison to all. I love you Denzel and Russell but this was a complete let down.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful

3

DexterB.Nov 9, 2007

Derivative and formulaic. I mean how many lame movies do we have topless women packaging drugs for "security" purposed. The lame white cop is just cliche "good guy" against the world. The gangster love interest is an impossible bore. You may Derivative and formulaic. I mean how many lame movies do we have topless women packaging drugs for "security" purposed. The lame white cop is just cliche "good guy" against the world. The gangster love interest is an impossible bore. You may be sucked in in the first half hour... the film looks good cinema-wise (how did they make NY look decrepit again?). But you are soon sucked right back out by the over-all low bar the film weakly hops over.… Expand

0 of 2 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

2

NMJan 3, 2008

Very boring.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

2

ShaunJ.Nov 7, 2007

Keep your money in your pocket. Wait for it to come out on HBO or something. Trust me!

0 of 1 users found this helpful

2

BarryJan 24, 2008

Overrated crap like every other Drug dealing & gangster movie out there. Goodfella's, The Godfather and this..they're all the same. Take a tough guy who uses the same phrases in every other movie in the genre with the same Overrated crap like every other Drug dealing & gangster movie out there. Goodfella's, The Godfather and this..they're all the same. Take a tough guy who uses the same phrases in every other movie in the genre with the same references and plots and you get American Gangster. Nothing but a completely overrated movie that is reliant on gun's, drugs, sex, violence and 'backstabbing' Anyone who thinks this film is amazing or a masterpiece are bandwagon jumpers and extremely deluded. Don't feel pressured to falsely praise a film you deep down don't rate so much..be honest with yourself and don't follow the crowd.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

2

RichardR.Feb 24, 2008

This is a boring, plodding mess. Denzel should stop playing villains, and Russell should stop playing good guys. Both are powerful actors, used to being surrounded by hapless sycophants, but this is a waste of time.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

2

csw12Dec 20, 2012

American gangster is an arrogant, violent, phony, wannabe gangster film. It has some extreme violent images the want to make you throw up but the sad thing, so will the story.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

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

OmarC.Oct 30, 2007

I hate you this movie.

0 of 0 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

0

ArmondW.Dec 25, 2007

American Gangster

0 of 0 users found this helpful

0

gm101May 7, 2011

Watching this movie felt like doing chores. Plot didn't make me interested at all. Didn't see anything special from performances by Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe (who is one of my favorite actors, so seeing him in this piece of turd wasWatching this movie felt like doing chores. Plot didn't make me interested at all. Didn't see anything special from performances by Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe (who is one of my favorite actors, so seeing him in this piece of turd was very disappointing). Overall, an overrated movie.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

American Gangster

User Reviews