The movie of 2008

Rating: 8/10 (14 January 2008)

This was probably the most I'd looked forward to seeing a movie for 6-12mths. It was about gangsters, was based on a true story and had to 1st class actors in Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington. Surely a "can't miss".
"American Gangster" is based upon the true story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), an African American man who secured a monopoly on the drug trade in the late 60's/early 70's by sourcing drugs direct from Vietnam. The drug problem in New York subsequently went out of control and the Government decided to set up a narcotics squad, headed by super honest cop Richie Roberts (Crowe). It takes Roberts a while to work out Lucas is the man he needs to bring down, but when he does he devises some schemes to bring him down.
Brilliant screenplay which had me on the edge of my seat, with amazing performances by Washington, Crowe and the surprising Josh Brolin. Top it off with "Can't Truss It" playing at the end credits and you had a winner. Only downer of the night was the two small drinks for $9.60. Mental.