Overdone

Rating: 6/10 (4 September 2009)

This film looks at the rise of a black gangster in NYC in the early 1970s. The plot has similarities to "The Godfather," but this film is a far cry from that classic. Although he sports a glum look to convey toughness and ruthlessness, Washington is miscast as the drug lord, a truly despicable character that is at odds with the actor's persona. Crowe fares better as an honest cop. Scott is certainly a competent director but the film could have used a good editor. While the plot is rather simplistic (was it really this easy for Frank Lucas to become a drug lord?), it is drawn out to epic length with repetitive scenes that add little to the narrative.