American Gangster (2007)
To begin with " American Gangster " has two good performances by Russel Crowe , and Denzel Washington . The picture directed by Ridley Scott is an interesting crime drama about the rise and fall of Frank Lucas a heroin kingpin from Manhattan in the early seventies. It is also about Det. Richie Roberts who eventually brought down one of the most powerful drug lords of America while at the same time cleaning up NYC's corrupt police force. This is of what epics are made for, but American Gangster doesn't feel epic. Instead it feels like a long "Law & Order" episode. The art direction and cinematography of the film is quite good, and it exudes that 70's era flavor. NYC was in decay, and the big apple had a few worms in it. The performances from both Washington, and Crowe are good, but nothing we've already not seen. Crowe's performance echos Paciono's performance in the film "Serpico", and Washington's performance gives us a bit...