Ridley Scott Scores Again.

Rating: 9/10 (19 December 2015)

American Gangster (2007): Dir: Ridley Scott / Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin, Carla Gugino, Ted Levine: Convincing gangster film that begins in 1968 chronicling two separate agendas. Denzel Washington plays Frank Lucas, an African American drug lord who traffics drugs in from Asia. Russell Crowe plays Richie Roberts, an honest cop who leads a narcotics investigation that eventually leads to Lucas. Director Ridley Scott creates realism that allow this to propel above just a typical gangster film. He has already made his mark with films such as Alien and Blade Runner, and this can align effectively within his body of work. Another plus is that he casts two actors of strong familiar presence as well as talent. Washington and Crowe are compelling as opposites although Crowe's custody battle seemed to distract. Washington is playing against type as a gangster who slowly becomes unraveled. Crowe is a strong counter during the investigation. Supporting roles were not quite as broad and are played by actors who should have pushed this film to excellence. We have Josh Brolin in a role that is far too predictable and bland. Carla Gugino turns up because I'm guessing that the film required a female presence, but the role is cardboard. The cop stands for integrity while Lucas stands for the revealing and punishing of sin but ultimately the door is still open for change. Score: 9 / 10