cricketbat It was interesting to learn about the true story behind the film American Gangster. Plus, once the film got rolling, it was quite entertaining. But, for the most part, this movie mumbles along as it drags on for over two and a half hours.

GVERover Apart from Denzel Washington all actors are as bad as it could get. I have never seen such a bad cast.

The Movie Diorama Ridley Scott does like to tackle a variety of genres and topics, from classic sci-fi to religious epics. Now he has put the eternal battle for drug enforcement under his belt also. I'm just waiting for him to tackle the important subject of fluffy unicorns that shoot rainbows...Hollywood, make it happen. Based on the true story, gangster Frank Lucas monopolises the drug trafficking scene in New York City. Making both friends and enemies. Hot behind his tail though is detective Richie Roberts who is cracking down on the city's drug war. How do you make such a formulaic film so compelling you might ask? You bring in the big acting guns. Oh yes! Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Washington in particular gives a commanding performance where he owns every scene. Whether it be a calm demeanour or full on rage mode, you don't mess with Frank Lucas. Crowe is absolutely fine, but feels completely underpowered when comparing to Washington's performance. It's not his fault, he is just up against a powerhouse. Supporting cast, again, just didn't make much of an impact. The story was involving for the most part, felt very realistic. Fantastic drug heist shootout during the third act. Scott's artistic flair makes even the most basic of scenes look exciting. The biggest negative, and is unfortunately a massive deal, is the first hour. It is such a drag and is completely uninteresting. It's either too quick or too slow, never perfectly balanced. Stuff happens to which I just don't care. As soon as Roberts is on Lucas' case is when the film gets going. Also the personal aspects to Roberts' life does not develop him as a character and feel unnecessary. It's a long runtime and it does feel like it occasionally, but once the plot gets going it is rather engrossing and does host one of Washington's better performances. I could listen to him say "My Man!" everyday.

Windgeisel It's one fine solid movie with interesting characters and an interesting story. I was really curious how Ridley Scott would handle such a Bio-History-film. Of cause "1492: Conquest of Paradise" for example, was a good work but I had always some problems with the pacing.To be true, it was the same problem with this movie. Especially at the beginning. Some shots and cuts seemed so hard and unplaced... nearly like he was trying to make a Sci-Fi-Horror. So the build up of the two main characters was a bit rough. And it took some time to get deeper into their story and meaning.But when you get over this and you are still interested in the story, you will get a pretty good movie with many nice twists.From time to time you will get some sweet Déjà-Vu's thinking of "The Godfather" and "Catch Me If You Can".Also you can feel Washingtons and Crowes development as their characters grow with the story. Crowes spiritedly comic-relief character is the perfect counterpoint to Washingtons mostly serious Version of the black godfather of Harlem. It's a joy to watch them when their stories overlap.A big plus are also the well detailed sets and a rousing soundtrack. You get a good idea of the tone of that time.If you like to know more about these days, I recommend to watch "Coonskin". It's a morbid little film about the social chaos in Harlem during the 60's/70's.Peace