American Gangster (2007)

My Review

“American Gangster” is a crime drama with two storylines proceeding concurrently: Denzel Washington plays a Harlem drug dealer and Russell Crowe appears as a squeaky-clean policeman who eventually is assigned to go after Denzel. Director Ridley Scott (“Alien” 1979) put together a complex crime story that equals the stature and quality of “The Godfather” (1972). The excellent screenplay was penned by Steven Zaillian.

Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington turn in their usual top-rate performances. They carry the picture from the start to the finish of the 157 minute running time.. Co-stars include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Lymari Nadal, Ted Levine, Roger Guenveur Smith, John Hawkes, Ruby Dee, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr., John Ortiz, Armand Assante, Idris Elba, Common, Joe Polito, Joe Morton, RZA, Yul Vasquez, Malcolm Goodwin, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and Richie Coster.

The watchable “American Gangster” was very popular at the box office for producers Ridley Scott and Brian Grazer, Imagine Entertainment, Scott Free Productions, Relativity Media, and Universal Pictures. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actress (Ruby Dee) and Best Art Direction.