American Gangster (2-Disc Unrated Extended Edition) - Region 1 DVD

Dark Warrior's Dvd's & Blu Ray's Collection (416 items)
list by Dark Warrior

DVDs That I Own (782 items)
list by Agent Kermit D. Fonz

Russell Crowe (15 items)
list by Chantal

Denzel Washington (27 items)
list by Chantal

MY DVD's (171 items)
list by TheBlount41

I chose to watch the unrated extended version over the theatrical, and even though it seemed to be a very long movie (because I had to watch it in two sittings too), I am glad I chose the longer version.

The ending is kind of corny, but other than that, this movie is very well done, engaging, well cast, and well acted. Great story, based on real events, and definitely one to watch.

Description: 0 0 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 patro 0
0


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

Beyond American Gangster on DVD
Great Crime and Gangster Films
More from Denzel Washington
More from Russell Crowe


Stills from American Gangster (Click for larger image)

... (more) (less)