American Gangster

Another Denzel Washington movie ehh… but here’s the kicker it’s with Russel Crowe. Two top notch A-listers in a movie together. Russel Crowe was riveting in Gladiator, and just as riveting in American Gangster. Denzel Washington has mesmorized us for years. His acting has ranged from playing the controversial Malcolm X to a grieving father driven to take matters into his own hands in John Q. Both these men together translated into a A plus movie.

A true story about Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) who took over a drug empire after his boss’s death (Bumpy Johnson) and took it to another level. His brothers followed him into this lifestyle until Richie Roberts (Russel Crowe) crumbles the empire down to rubble. This is a story about a man who took his destiny into his own hands and how another man justifiably takes it away.

Frank is a saavy business man, his business is dealing drugs. He loves his family but is not immune to disciplining a cousin, or brother when they display “Larry and Moe” type behavior. He’s respectful and loving towards his wife and mother while still maintaining his reputation as a ruthless killer and a formidable enemy.

Richie Roberts is a detective who is painlessly honest and finds nearly a million dollars, and instead of following the footsteps of his co-workers (crooked cops) he turns it in. This may give him brownie points with Mother Theresa and The Pope but he gets no cigars from his so called buddies. No on wants to work with an honest cop.. it’s unheard of. Forced to go out on his own he assembles a team of an off beat posse to take down Frank and his crew. I won’t tell you anymore than this because you must see this movie.

A very powerful production put on by two stand up guys. Another standing ovation for Denzel and Russel. Awesome.