American Gangster [Blu-ray] [Unrated] [2007]

American Gangster is far too often compared to Scarface. Both films are about men chasing the dark side of the Amercian Dream through drug-running. That is where the similarities end. This film presents the dual stories of Frank Lucas, a black mob peon in Harlem who takes over his dead boss's heroin trade and of Richie Roberts, the straight-laced New Jersey cop who refuses to give in to the rampant police corruption that has engulfed his world and seeks to take down the drug kingpins that are flooding 1970's America with drugs. What makes this film so great is the parallel performances of Denzel Washington as Lucas and Russell Crowe as Roberts. They do not meet until the very end of the film, and through this decision director Ridley Scott and the film's writer Steve Zaillian allow both of these great actors to masterfully control the screen. The 3-disc set is excellent. Iit's full of great features that range from music videos to documentaries to commentaries. As a bonus, the box it comes in is fantastic and really makes the film stand out in your DVD collection, and it comes with a cool booklet full of interesting facts. Your collection isn't complete without it. Oh, and one more thing. A lot of people complain about the length of the film. It's totally worth it, and unlike some longer films which slow down for periods of time, every part of this movie serves to furthering the plot and characterization, and there is never a dull moment. Give it the 2hrs and 38 mins. You won't regret it.

denzel and crow are 2 of my favorite actors. this movie has good stories for both of the characters even the focusing point is denzel. sure the movie can be racist from time to time but its based off reality. its a great and gritty look back at frank lucass life. and im was so frustrated when it didnt even get nominated for best picture. it was better than all the movies that got nominated(ahem-no country for old men).the shootout in the apartment complex was extremely well done. i thought it was cool when denzel walked up to that guy on the sidewalk and shot him in the head in front of everybody and just went on with his business, and in the beginning when he burned that guy and then shot him. american gangster was without a doubt the best movie of 2007 with the two actors who didnt even get mentioned at the oscars. i mean come on, crow had a realistis family problem and acted like a cop and denzel was really convincing as a gangsta. all the scenes with denzel in another country for drug dealing where pretty good, too. but dont forget josh brolin as that dirty cop or at least i think thats what he was. he does a good too. but was all the naked people in the drug houses really neccesary, i mean i know they had to do that so they wouldnt steel but seriously. cuba gooding jr does pretty good, too.

I wanted this movie on blueray because its a great movie to watch, but the one I bought wouldn't work in my blueray player, I purchased at a bestbuy not close to home so I took to the one closest to me, they tried in theirs but it wouldn't work . So I requested a new one hoping that because it was a different store that I would have better luck, nope, I was wrong, new one didn't work either. I asked for my money back, response was lets try a different blueray player. Ok... they finally found one that worked. I still wanted my money back, they told me it worked so I couldn't get a refund. I was going to talk to a manager but I was so frustrated with the service that I just left. I got home and tried it, didn't work. Two weeks later I seen another dvd set on sale that I wanted, so I went back and it was out of stock, I asked for a rain check, nope... they don't do that. So I happened to be by another bestbuy on otherside of town. Gave in and bought it. This set worked. But they really need to work on their service.

I was looking forward to seeing this film. I was not disappointed. Russell (the reason I bought this DVD package) was great. Denzel did a good job as well. Interesting story to follow. The film is long but in this case you do not mind. You do NOT get bored. I did NOT like however the unnecessary nudity. AND WE DID NOT NEED TO SHOOT THE DOG. Excellent DVD package. Although some of the extras were TV specials or parts of programs I had already taped. It is, of course, violent. If you are a fan of Russell ‘s, Denzel’s or Ridley’s you will enjoy the film. I input this review the day before the 2008 Oscars. TOO BAD the films did not get more nominations.

Fascinating movie based on a true story about a career criminal that built a drug empire using many unique plans to become one of the biggest drug dealers in the mid west. He avoided discovery for many years. He eventually became over confident ignoring the techniques that kept him safe and helped him avoid the law. He was finally discovered by the police. The movie consists about his rise and eventual downfall. Well worth watching and very entertaining. The story isn't about violence but how he used his wit to become a successful criminal.

The story is really something, i enjoyed the intensity of every scene..it puts you in very uncomfortable situations and you have no idea whats going to happen next... Denzel demands your attention in every scene and Crowe plays a good gritty cop... neither denzel or crowe were in a scene together until like the last 20 or 30 minutes but they work amazing together and need to work again but this time actually throughout the entire movie... Over all though this was a great film and i think most people who enjoy ridleys movies and enjoy both actors will really enjoy this film...

This is the mdoern day Scarface for the 2000, It really draws you in and kind of make you understand the in and outs of the people in dark lifestyles. Denzel gave a stellar performance as usual, while the supporting csat seem to be out shined by the great actor. But in a scene this tale is also very one-sided. But also a surpriseing powerful yet minute part of the movie is with denzel and Gooding the confrontation and the look in Goodings eyes was priceless. I truly would recommend this movie to those that like the suspence and drama of mob/gangster movie. two thumbs way up.

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