Disappointing but not completely awful crime film

Rating: 7/10 (23 November 2007)

"American Gangster" is Ridley Scott's latest film that centers on the leader of a drug cartel and a detective dedicated to curtailing drug dealing. Though the story is based on true events, no doubt viewers will find parallels with other better crime films. The parallel that strikes me the most is with "Heat" (1995), which also portrays a crime story from the perspective of a detective and a criminal leader, but much more engagingly. "American Gangster" isn't an awful film per se, but it could have been better considering the talent involved.
The film does feature solid performances. Russell Crowe is effective as a relentless and incorruptible yet womanizing and sometimes quick to anger detective. Denzel Washington is also effective in his role as a self-assured and tough criminal leader. Both actors are acting in familiar territory and I wasn't surprised by the characterizations, but they were effective none the less. The supporting performances were also notable, especially Josh Brolin as a despicable crooked police detective.
The film's story is where this film could have been improved. The film's premise is a good one and it is well-developed initially. The ending sequence starting with an investigation of a plane is tense and effective. There is a memorable scene where Crowe and Washington sit down and discuss their situation which recalls "Heat", though the scene in "Heat" is superior. The way they incorporated reports of Vietnam into the film was effective and as were the scenes featuring the troubled family life of Crowe's character. It is the middle of the story that could have been improved. While there are some notable scenes in that portion, it seemed overlong overall and more tedious than it should be. Due to this, for me "American Gangster" did not realize its full potential.