... but not Scarface

Rating: 8/10 (6 July 2008)

I was really tempted to write "African American Gangster" in the summary line, but since that's what most will read, sometimes even without looking at the actual comment of the movie, I was afraid it would stir too much discussion. But here in the text I can write it, because I can point out that it's a joke on the title of the movie and of course on all the PC thing going on right now (in our society). Just my kind of weird humor.
But back to the movie, that could be called the "Heat" of Russel and Denzel. Yes the two have played in a movie together before and who can't remember the classic Sci-Fi B-movie they were in? No seriously, does anybody remember the name of that movie? ;o) I have seen that first collaboration (minus Ridley of course), but it must have been at least ten years ago. It was nice as I recall/remember for the sort of movie it was. The funny thing is, that they might have had more on-screen time together back then, then they have now!
Still now with Ridley directing them both and Russell C. leaving the staring (or "better") role to Denzel, this movie is already considered a classic by many. Russell wanted the Denzel role here, but since Denzel gave him the better part in the Sci-Fi B-movie I was talking about earlier, Russell thought he owed Denzel (that's how it was written in Film magazines). But Russell's role got bigger (he fought for that of course), making his character more believable. And here are other similarities to HEAT. Russells cop is similar to Pacino's character. Caring only about his job and not so much about his family/wife. Of course he has some ticks/nuances that are different from Pacino's role, as has Denzel's character too, who's more of a family man (so to speak). But Denzel's character seems to have some similarities with the Nic Cage character from "Lord of War". Only a few things that seem to be identical, but then again this also could be just a coincidence.
Anyway the point is, that Ridley made another great picture, having assembled a cast and crew that were/are on top of their game. Highly recommendable! :o)