Ridley Scott puts on his "sweeping saga" gameface again; this time not for the sci-fi vistas of Blade Runner or the ancient world of Gladiator but for an urban epic. American Gangster gives the story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington); a real-life Harlem crime lord who built an empire on Southeast Asian heroin in the 1970s. Running parallel to Lucas's somewhat standard story is the investigation led by a persistent New Jersey cop; Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). Roberts is a more interesting character than Lucas--too honest for his own good; unlucky in his personal life--and this kind of character; easily patronized by others; fits Crowe like a polyester shirt. Scott's tendency to hit his points square on the noggin is much in evidence here; including the typecasting of the supporting roles and the predictable Serpico atmosphere of the whole thing. (And speaking of supporting actors; the film needs more Chiwetel Ejiofor; whose role as a Lucas sidekick feels cut down.) It succeeds as a kind of chewy entertainment; fueled by the presence of two big stars working their muscles. Both Washington and Crowe look pretty brawny here. --Robert Horton




Stills from American Gangster (Click for larger image)