Gotta love the irony

Rating: 7/10 (2 November 2007)

I first heard about this movie when Fuqua was going to direct it so immediately I was hooked. I loved Fuqua and Denzel in Training Day so anything short of that would be a disappointment. The fact remains if your looking for a great movie you will not find in this movie. It's a 3 hour documentary that portrays Frank Lucas to be a modern day Robin Hood to Harlem. The movie has it's flaws as many does. The 2 hour and 40 minute flick does not need to be this long. The story of Richie Roberts and his child custody case does not need to be included but I guess it adds character to Richie Roberts and the type of man he is; a man dedicated to obeying to the laws and doing the the job correctly and obiding. Surprise Surprise Denzel once again gives an Oscar winning performance. Although I can say with a strong opinion if this movie does win Picture of the Year it is not better than The Departed. The Departed had more action and did with less time. You do have to realize that Fank Lucas is a complicated business man and telling his story under 2 hours just could not happen but I feel as though Ridley Scott got caugh up in the heat of the moment and wanted Denzel and Russel on screen more than that was necessary. So although I may not be a qualified source to give a true accurate rating for this movie, I have seen enough movies in my life and enough Denzel movies to give my insight. A solid 7.0 out of 10 I feel does this movie justice. It is worth seeing but do not expect to see a blood bath given out by Frank Lucas because sorry to disappoint you but it does not happen.