A big waste of time with few exceptions

Rating: 6/10 (1 December 2007)

SAFE READING. NO SPOILERS.
If you like gangster movies, perhaps this movie is for you. If you like period movies, maybe you'll like it. Denzel Washington really does give an excellent performance as drug lord, Frank Lucus, and Ruby Dee's minor role as Frank Lucus' mother is inspired. Otherwise, this Ridley Scott film was a waste of my time.
Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts lacked energy. He seems to be half there during the whole film. The movie was a tale that could have been told in 90 minutes. Instead, we are forced to endure this uninspired Hollywood blockbuster for over 2 1/2 hours. Go see anything else or stay home. This is assembly line movie making and not art. If you like the usual crap Hollywood throws at you, maybe you'll like it. I happened not to.