Ridley Scott's gangster epic just misses 'classic' status

Rating: 9/10 (28 September 2008)

American Gangster
Directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
About halfway into "American Gangster", it becomes clear where the movie's strengths lie. The strong leading performances from Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe lift the film above typical gangster fare, but are not quite enough to secure it a place among classics such as "The Godfather" or "Goodfellas." The movie tells the true story of Frank Lucas, the man who gained notoriety in the 1970s for smuggling cocaine into the U.S. during the Vietnam War. Washington effortlessly embodies Lucas's persona, making the transformation from two-bit thug to unofficial King of Harlem all the more fascinating to watch on-screen.
Director Ridley Scott knows his way around violent films, having collaborated with Crowe before in "Gladiator." However, Scott decides to ease up on the aggression this time around, allowing his more-than-capable stars to draw the audience in with their natural abilities. Of course, with a title like "American Gangster", one should not expect anything remotely kid-friendly. "Gangster" has its brutal moments, but they are not Scott's primary concern. He sets out to tell the story of Frank Lucas, and he takes an interesting approach.
"Gangster" spends the first two acts glorifying what Lucas does. It seems as though the life of this drug dealer is without significant problems. Only as the movie winds down does it begin to show the darker side of the business. This is where Scott slips up. Lucas is faced with problems at every turn, from the police to his own family, and it leaves him with feelings of mistrust and paranoia. But by praising Washington's character for two thirds of the film, it feels insincere when Scott suddenly becomes critical. This is the man the audience has been rooting for, and now he is supposed to be seen as the bad guy? The director seems unable to make up his mind, and it is illustrated in the film.
Overall, "American Gangster" is one of the most entertaining films of the year. The running time may be pushing three hours and it may send out mixed messages, but great performances and thrilling action sequences more than make up for any missteps. Even the mildest fans of the crime genre owe it to themselves to give it a try and enjoy the ride.
Final Grade: B+