American Gangster

Last night I had the privilege of catching a screening of "American Gangster," which comes out today. I am not normally a big gangster film fan, but I really liked this movie. I think it was because more than anything, the movie was rife with suspense and tension. The whole time you were just waiting for shit to go down.

The film takes place in the 60s/70s and is based off a true story. I think part of the reason the film is so successful is because it isn't just a gangster flick. It shines a light on the corrupt police system and even the government. Most of the police officers in the drug investigation department at the time (and when I say most that's a historically accurate statement, as you'll see at the end of the movie) were accepting bribes and letting these drug lords do whatever they want. I know a lot of gangster movies include corrupt cops, but that's more of a focus in this movie - the system and how it works. Denzel Washington's character goes and upsets that system a little bit, and that gets him into trouble.

I have to say, I normally hate Russell Crowe, but he really impressed me in this film. He was very believable as a slightly troubled honest cop who - despite the moral fiber he demonstrates in the field - just can't seem to keep his own life together. And Denzel Washington, who I normally love, was not so believable as a bad guy drug lord - even if he was the opposite of Russell Crowe and demonstrated upstanding moral fiber (seemingly) in his every day life. It might not be entirely his fault though. Maybe it's because I'm so used to him playing the tough-but-good guy, whereas this was the complete opposite: the gentle and seemingly upstanding bad guy. I also didn't find Denzel's love story very believable. After their initial meeting, there really wasn't much chemistry between them at all.

Overall, I would recommend seeing this movie. It will have you rooting for both characters at the end. The best parts don't actually have that much violence either - they just keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen. Not to say that there's not action. There's plenty of action and violence. And drugs and sex (or well, nudity at least). But those aren't - by my standards - the best parts.

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