Review of American Gangster (2007) by Anna L — 04 Mar 2012

Director Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Blade Runner) brings forth this spectacular, gritty and intelligent look into the life of a gangster on the streets of Harlem, NY. Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington (Training Day) ignites the screen as reputed drug kingpin Frank Lucas in one of Washington's greatest performances ever, he received a Golden Globe nomination.

Washington brought forth the intensity, heart and determination of a crime boss unlike you have seen before. Academy Award Winner Russel Crowe (Gladiator) is perfectly casted as Richie Roberts, an honest but down on his luck cop who is determined to bring down the drug trafficking in the city.

It is a great game of cat and mouse between Washington and Crowe. The gangster scenes, shootings etc. were well done, the suits, cars and lifestyle were accurate for the 70's story and depiction of this true to life story.

I also really liked the inclusion of the Italian Mafia, and their Boss, Don Dominic Cattano, portrayed with style and class by Armand Assante (Gotti). Scott truly was able to bring forth the style of Scarface and the atmosphere of Goodfellas with his direction, truly a great gangster film.