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American
Gangster (18A)
Synopsis: Based on
the life of drug-kingpin-turned-informant, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington),
who grew up in segregated North Carolina where he watched as his cousin
was shot by the Klan for looking at a white girl. He eventually made his
way to Harlem where he became a heroin kingpin by traveling to Asia's Golden
Triangle to make connections, shipping heroin back to the US in the coffins
of soldiers killed in Vietnam. He soon made upwards of one million dollars
a day in drug sales. Lucas was shadowed by lawman, Richie Roberts (Russell
Crowe), who finally helped bring the kingpin to justice. The two then worked
together to expose the crooked cops and foreign nationals who made importing
heroin so easy.
Robert's Review
"American Gangster"
is one hell of a movie. Based on the true story, Frank Lucas was one larger-than-life
son of a bitch. For better or worse, his work and his influence have had
a tremendous impact on everyone and everything in some way or another,
especially those in Harlem and similar cities that his operation went on
in. He was the number one supplier of heroin to countless thousands of
junkies and he was a businessman like you wouldn't believe… he makes most
corporate CEOs look like little sissies. He was (and still is) one scary
dude.
Denzel Washington
was amazing in this role and Russell Crowe did an adamant job as well.
Seeing the inner working of Lucas' operation and his pure, ruthless business
savvy was truly a sight to behold. He was above the law, above the mafia,
and above the other drug lords… he became a force of nature to be reckoned
with. Denzel's dark, engaging performance was so good I almost forgot it
was Denzel. I could see this other person on screen and I was scared to
death of him… very kind and caring at times, but ruthless in an instant.
Overall, "American Gangster" is an amazing and really brilliantly well-done
gangster movie. I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good crime,
gangster, or based on true events type of movie.
All in all, I'd give
this movie 4.5 Kilos of Heroin (out of 5). Re-watch value: HIGH
Brett's Review
Based on a true story
"American Gangster" was a movie that I waited for. Denzel Washington
and Russell Crowe did a fantastic job and had great chemistry together.
I thought the movie moved forward at a great pace, the story was easy to
follow, and the plot was well done. While the movie was not really
an action movie and it isn't "The Godfather", "Gangs of New York" or "Scarface,"
it does have certain uniqueness about it. I got to see the last showing
of this movie one night and even though it was late and the movie is 2
hours and 40 minutes long, it held my attention all the way through.
I really enjoyed the movie and I thought Ridley Scott did a fantastic job
of bringing the lives of Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts to the big screen.
Overall Rating: 4
Blue Magics (out of 5). Re-Watch Value: High (A most definite purchase
on DVD).
Trivia: (1) The real Richie Roberts and Frank Lucas
were major consultants to director Ridley Scott on the New York set of
this film. (2) During the very first stages of production, this film had
a number of different titles, such as "Tru Blu" and "The Return of Superfly".
(3) When this project was canceled by Universal, actors Denzel Washington
and Benicio Del Toro received their salaries nonetheless. A pay-or-play
deal was stipulated in both of their contracts that Universal would pay
Washington $20 million and Del Toro $5 million regardless of whether the
film was made or not. When this project was green-lit a second time by
Universal, Washington received another $20 million, ultimately pocketing
$40 million on this motion picture. (4) Denzel Washington spent time with
Frank Lucas, his real-life alter ego in this film. As a sign of gratitude,
Washington bought Lucas a Rolls-Royce after filming wrapped.
courtesy
www.myspace.com/thepopcornreview |
