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American Gangster

"American Gangster" is the 21st century's ode to "The Godfather," in reverse. Godfather of Harlem "Bumpy" Johnson starts off the movie, explaining to Denzel Washington's Frank Lucas how a real businessman does work. Once Johnson is out of the picture, Lucas crowns himself the new American gangster.

Ridley Scott's newest venture shares much in common with Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece, including exceptionally strong performances by the leads. Starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington, "Gangster" tells the true story of a 1970's drug kingpin and the man who would work to bring him down. Crowe plays Detective Richie Roberts, the pariah "honest" cop who ostracizes himself by turning in $1 million in dirty money. Roberts, a cop by day and an aspiring law student by night, is a strong character with rock-solid convictions. His desire to display complete legality in his police affairs takes a toll on his family life. Through it all, New York cop Roberts works to find the mysterious supplier of heroin, who has flooded Harlem and other locations with the drug and its ugly side effects. Washington portrays the druglord responsible for the new misery, Frank Lucas. Lucas is sick of the slow channels, and uses his connections to go to Vietnam, arrange the transports of thousands of kilos of drugs to the U.S., and pulls it off. At once charming and violent, cold-blooded killer and loving husband, Washington brings incredible charisma to a character so full of contradictions. Lucas' rise to power is made all the more interesting in this film, as it is set amidst the tumultuous 1970's. And yet, between the 3/4 of special NY drug unit officers convicted of some form of bribery, Lucas' final act works to bring some good to a world he has so harmed. Amazing performances by Washington and Crowe punctuate a fascinating fact-based story of gangsters in America. Watch for great cameos peppered all throughout the film.

Written by: Susie Kopecky

Reviewers Rating: 8
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