Nothing new or too deep , but very entertaining

Rating: 6/10 (1 November 2013)

American gangster" is a gangster movie that doesn't add anything new to the genre . It's weaker than classics such as "Godfather" , "Godfather 2" , "Goodfellas" or "Casino" , yet it's a strong movie on it's own . To be honest it isn't pure gangster movie . The story of cop Richie is just as important as the story of gangster Frank . In a way the movie reminds kinda Michael Mann's "Heat".
The movie is long and epic . The whole picture has a "French Connection" feel. It's an entertaining portrait of late 60s-early 70s Harlem and America. Lots of drugs , Vietnam war , desperation , world where cops are as dirty (or even dirtier) than gangsters. As Richie says at one point of the movie all those cops , judges , lawyers , district attorneys are really too happy with the fact that drugs exist , because it gives them work. Lawlessness and organized crime exists because of the mutual benefit that the gangsters have with the law . No one, including the law, wants it to stop. The movie offers real-life look into the narcotics business top-to-bottom and across the board. It also shows what it means to be a cop and to strive for something.
The story is based on true life of Frank Lucas who here isn't a stereotypical black gangster gone wrong , but instead an elegant, intelligent man who rises to the top. Denzel Washington shines here . He's menacing , confident , cold and feisty. In my opinion he did a good job making his character different than the bad guy he portrayed in "Training day". "American gangster" is also a story of Ritchie Roberts , a cop who defeated him. He's character is much less interesting , since he's basically a boy scout , yet Russell Crowe manages to create a likable character . He was able to convince me about the pure innocence of his character. Roberts and Lucas may be operating on opposite sides of the law, the one thing that both men have in common is a strict code of ethics that separates them from their opportunistic colleagues.
The movie also has interesting supporting characters . Josh Brolin turns in an outstanding and memorable performance as Trupo, a decidedly sinister and shady cop . Ruby Dee rightfully deserved the Oscar nomination for her role of Lucas mother . It was good to see Cuba Gooding Jr. in a good movie with a good performance for a change. Chiwetal Ejifor makes a believable side character. Armand Assante gives a god performance as the mob boss.
"American gangster" is truly engrossing and captivating picture that I did not once find it boring or slow at all. The pacing to was just right to have enough of a character study going on, but also enough to keep audience interested and entertained. Ridley Scott did a great job as the director . He also improved as an action director - police raid scene is really great.
This movie is a good addition to the genre of gangster movies . We haven't yet seen a really good movie with black gangster until this one. I give it 6/10.