American Gangster Extended Edition [2007] - Universal Pictures UK

Harlem Globetrotter

"American Gangster" is an entertaining film based on a true story about how a black New York gangster,played by Denzil Washington, who controls a large drug empire is brought to justice by a determined, incorruptable cop played by Russell Crowe. Washington builds his trade upon exclusive access to a South East Asian source and links with the US military who assist with his shipments. His rise seemingly goes unnoticed until he falls under the attention of Crowe's team. It is refreshing to watch a non Italian mafia based gangster film and Crowe and Washington act their leading roles well, although at times Washington seems to lack the nastiness and menace one might expect to find in a ruthless drug lord.The film is gripping to watch and the plot develops well building to a dramatic climax. There are a few brutal scenes , but overall "American Gangster" is a good quality ,intelligent drama.

rubish

this movie is so lie and wanted copy from scarface movie.the actor(washington) cant play the role of gangster,he dont like italian or
latina.so rubishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,just nice soundtrack.

Solid and intriguing

We have become accustomed to Ridley Scott films that are visually stimulating and beautifully shot. American Gangster does not disappoint in this respect. The integration of newsreel footage of seminal moments of the late 60s/early 70s adds the necessary atmosphere and anchors the prevailing attitudes of the time.

My lasting impression, however, is of an underboiled characterisation of both the Washington and Crowe roles. Obviously under director's orders, they give straight performances but without any overt presence. Washington is normally assertive and compelling - here he is not allowed to do this, or not in a way that is endearing. Crowe, as an honest cop in a dishonest force, is also understated, less driven and more matter of fact. It is a shame that I did not feel any empathy with either character, though I remained interested in the story and its denounement.

The movie is interesting and I recommend it to anyone.

Wow!

Simply outstanding film. Brilliantly acted, not only by Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe, but some excellent support, particualry in Josh Brolin. An amazing story, a real must for any film fan.

Over Hyped and Terrible

For those expecting a film in the Mafia footprints of Goodfellas, Casino and The Godfather trilogy prepare to be bitterly disappointed. A disjointed film with poor character development, stilted dialogue and unbelievable manufactured plots. For example how does Lucas have Army connections in Vietnam who are happy to ship huge amounts of heroin without any questions or visible financial inducements? How can he just call up these contacts at the drop of a hat from a phonebooth without any reference to the time differences? These silly scenes just add to the overall mish mash quality of the film. Add to this overly dark cinematography and hard to hear dialogue, that needs constant adjustment to the volume and brightness and that leads to heavier and heavier use of the rewind button to actually grasp what is being said.

Ridley Scott - go and have a lie down and wonder where it all went wrong.........