Spectacular

Rating: 10/10 (1 January 2016)

When Denzel is on, he's ON. Throw in a supporting cast of - Russel Crowe, Josh Brolin and Cuba Gooding? You have to screw up a lot to let this one sink.
But there's more - Ridley Scott's Oscsr-worthy direction. If there is anyone who knows how to keep a film moving its him. The continuity is seamless, like butter melting. Smooth transitions, no "shakycam" - and mise-en-scene so subtle you don't notice it. Wow. Big kudos for Cinematography too.
The story of heroin in Harlem is a dirty one, and the way Scott infuses horrible snapshots of the victims of this evil substance is just plain masterful. Not too much, not too little, just enough. The same is true for the more violent scenes. You KNOW they are coming, as when Lucas gets up, walks down the block and executes someone in broad daylight.
Everyone down to the extras does a bang up job. One of the best recent films, don't miss it!