American Gangster Review
Ain't Nuthin' Sweet
Frank Lucas and fam at breakfast.
To me American Gangster is a film about choosing sides, maintaining loyalties, and shootin' muthaf*ckas in the face in broad daylight to make a point.
I wasn't too excited to see American Gangster when I first heard about it. I thought it was going to be "Jay-Z soundtrack: The Movie". (Turns out Jay's record is only "inspired by" the movie. You won't hear any Hova in the theater.) I also feel that actors become less believable as their star power increases. Case in point, when whas the last time you actually believed Tom Hanks was anyone other than Tom Hanks? I didn't want to see "Oscar winner Russell Crowe" playing "grungy cop Russell Crowe", know what I mean?
I was wrong, because reality is paramount in this film's world. It's not bright, flashy Miami full of bright flashy characters, as in Scarface. This is Harlem. In 1968. It's dirty, and it gets cold. Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington give amazing performances. After 2 and a half hours I realized I never even had a moment where I considered the actors themselves, which is how it should be. This is a testament to their skill, and Ridley Scott's direction.
The character of Frank Lucas is so conservative, that his violence is always shocking. You learn early on that there are no rules, and it leaves you on edge. When Frank and his people start making money, it really is the "new money" phenomenon - Like watching MTV Cribs. Young gangsters look awkward in their flashy suits. They wear ridiculous hats and furs. It smacks of how it really must have been. I don't think people in Harlem '68 hired stylists. (Stylists were the people these guys beat up for fun.)
Russell Crowe's character Richie Roberts' life is as grimy as the city he lives in. Small details, like appearing in court with a thrift store briefcase, his filthy car, his women. Everything is stripped down to the necessities. It like watching a real life dirtbag. Well, more fun than that actually. And Josh Brolin plays one of the most hateable characters ever on screen as crooked cop Trupa.
It's principle (and a hatred for the system) that drags down both of the cop and criminal, and ultimately redeems them in this film. American Gangster was a blast to watch, felt in no way like it lasted 2.5 hours, and gives you a lot to think about on the way home.
A+
I was wrong, because reality is paramount in this film's world. It's not bright, flashy Miami full of bright flashy characters, as in Scarface. This is Harlem. In 1968. It's dirty, and it gets cold. Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington give amazing performances. After 2 and a half hours I realized I never even had a moment where I considered the actors themselves, which is how it should be. This is a testament to their skill, and Ridley Scott's direction.
The character of Frank Lucas is so conservative, that his violence is always shocking. You learn early on that there are no rules, and it leaves you on edge. When Frank and his people start making money, it really is the "new money" phenomenon - Like watching MTV Cribs. Young gangsters look awkward in their flashy suits. They wear ridiculous hats and furs. It smacks of how it really must have been. I don't think people in Harlem '68 hired stylists. (Stylists were the people these guys beat up for fun.)
Russell Crowe's character Richie Roberts' life is as grimy as the city he lives in. Small details, like appearing in court with a thrift store briefcase, his filthy car, his women. Everything is stripped down to the necessities. It like watching a real life dirtbag. Well, more fun than that actually. And Josh Brolin plays one of the most hateable characters ever on screen as crooked cop Trupa.
It's principle (and a hatred for the system) that drags down both of the cop and criminal, and ultimately redeems them in this film. American Gangster was a blast to watch, felt in no way like it lasted 2.5 hours, and gives you a lot to think about on the way home.
A+
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