| Overall Grade: |
A- |
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| Story: |
B+ |
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| Acting: |
A+ |
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| Direction: |
A- |
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| Visuals: |
B+ |
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A Gritty, Powerful Gangster Drama
by Ian (movies profile)
Jun 13, 2008
106
of
124 people found this review helpful
My biggest concern going into "American Gangster" was that I was afraid it was going to be another copy of "The Departed." However, I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. It was actually very different. But I will say, while I'm making the comparison that I didn't find "American Gangster" to be as interesting or as entertaining as "Departed," but it is still a fine film.
Denzel and Russell turn in some of the best performances of the year, and it's not just them. Everyone involved in this picture is at the top of their game. Josh Brolin, Carla Gugino, and even Cuba Gooding, Jr. is phenomenal in the 1 or 2 scenes that he is in. Ridley Scott does a great job capturing the gritty feel of the 70's, and he establishes the period very well.
However it's not all great. There were some problems. For one, it takes way too long to get going. Crowe's character doesn't start pursuing Denzel's character until at least half-way through the movie. There are also several subplots that could have been cut. For instance, the whole subplot about Richie's divorce and custody hearings never contributed to the central story. It was interesting, and definitely useful in expanding his character, but for the running time's sake, it could have easily have been cut without effecting the rest of the movie.
But if you put the few flaws aside, "American Gangster" is an excellent film. I found it to be immensely entertaining. The pacing is great, the musical score was good to listen to, and the dialogue is sharp makes the film feel very energetic, even though there is not much action in it. It is not a pulse-pounding thriller, but it is still worth checking out. It is great seeing Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe on screen together, even though it didn't happen until the end of the film. I also think the scene that Washington and Crowe do share in the interrogation room will go down as a classic movie moment. Watching it gave me goosebumps.
So basically, "American Gangster" is one of the best films of the year. I didn't enjoy it as much as other recent gangster epics like "Departed," but it still stands on its own as a great example of a modern day gangster epic. It works as an intricate character study, and as an entertaining crime drama. Either way, this was a damn good movie. |
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