French Connection

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2008)

American Gangster immediately reminded me of French Connection - which I coincidentally had watched only a few days before I saw American Gangster. The main theme of both movies is a cat-and-mouse game between the gentleman head of a criminal organization and a rather gruff cop, based on a true story. In either case the Manhattan atmosphere is caught brilliantly, as is the era of the late 60s/early 70s. Thus I would conclude that if you liked the one, you will also enjoy the other.
However, American Gangster is less dark and more glamorous, as it emphasizes on Frank Lucas' rise to wealth (and stylish lodgings) and is accompanied with an entertaining soundtrack.
The main cast is great - especially Russel Crowe acts brilliantly again.
Yet I have something to criticize. In my opinion, the character of Frank Lucas is too plain. He is described as a (only) two-dimensional person - the loving son and generous family guy on the one side and the hard criminal business man an the other side. Sadly, you hardly get to see any facets in-between, so that Lucas is bit of a cliché, q.v. any mafia movie. Plus, in the sake of putting across the nostalgic atmosphere, the setting and outfits are a bit too glamorous, idealizing the circumstances.