Review: American Gangster
After three successful collaboration with Tony Scott, Denzel tries a movie with brother Ridley Scott (both being talented and diverse directors), and this time they’re going for a gangster epos based on true events. Maybe that’s where the problem lies, maybe it’s the lack of embellishment, maybe it’s something else. Because, while the movie is good on its own, it’s not near the head-to-head-butting like Man on Fire or the intensity and in-depth characters of Training Day.
So if you want a movie sticking to the truth (two main characters were consultants after all), with only a slight touch of dramatic flair, this is for you. Just don’t expect too much from it, besides excellent acting jobs (Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe).7+.