These similarities and differences make the meeting between the two characters far more satisfying than Heat could ever be

Rating: 9/10 (21 July 2015)

As crime epics go, American Gangster is fairly pedestrian but also one of the more enjoyable that I've ever seen. A double-whammy of this and Thelma & Louise has done a great deal for my faith in Ridley Scott's direction.
This three hour film rarely drags after the first 20 minutes, which is a big achievement in both scripting and editing. The film balances the stories of two compelling men - African American gangster Frank Lucas, and the honest cop trying to catch him, Richie Roberts. Lucas, the respectable, intelligent crime lord is portrayed adequately by Denzel Washington. He never captures the Al Pacino ruthlessness or the Jack Nicholson cockiness, but he's still a compelling character to watch and even root for at times. Russell Crowe is very reminiscent of his Bud White LA Confidential days, but it was great then and even better here. He is less of a thug and has a few moments of nerves and timidity that give his character a humanity rarely seen in Crowe performances. The thing I loved about the film was how similar and different Lucas and Roberts are. They both hate corrupt cops and strive for integrity in their dealings, while taking hugely unorthodox actions to succeed. Meanwhile, compare the two - Lucas is a "bad guy" who loves his mother, goes to church and cares for his family above all else. Roberts is the "good guy", but he's engaged in a bitter divorce because of his infidelity, and never has time for his son. These similarities and differences make the meeting between the two far more satisfying than Heat could ever be.
In the supporting cast, Josh Brolin is terrific as Detective Trupo, managing to be a terrific antagonist for both Lucas and Roberts. Ruby Dee is also excellent in a small part - she blusters and flails in her loving attempts to connect with a son whose world she can never fully understand. There's a level of honesty and generosity to her performance that makes me commend her Academy Award nomination, even if her limited screen time would have made me uncomfortable voting for her for a win.
American Gangster is beautifully scripted as well, which is vital for setting it apart from its many counterparts. Of the many beautifully constructed scenes, Richie's divorce proceedings and Carla Gugino's rant is probably the film's highlight. It gives both a perspective of how Laurie sees her husband and how Roberts sees himself, all whilst giving some of the film's best quotes and a blistering dramatic moment all in one. A great mixture of words and delivery is always necessary for a great film, and American Gangster never disappoints on that front.
It may be a long burn, but American Gangster is very satisfying to complete, far more so than Heat or the Godfather Part II, and I really recommend that you check it out.