American Gangster (DVD, 2008, 2-Disc Set)

This was a terrific story set in the late 60s and early 70s Harlem. We all like a good "gangster" flick and American Gangster did not disappoint. The writing was excellent and Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe were captivating.

Washington's character, Frank Lucas, is THE gangster of his time. He puts out a superior product at a discount because he cuts out the middle men; ironically, something his mentor complained about in the early moments of the movie. Despite Lucas' evil acts and violence, the viewer becomes somewhat sympathetic to his character by the end of the movie. This is not unlike how a viewer feels kinship with Michael Corleone in the Godfather series.

Frank Lucas ascends the ranks by outwitting and outclassing his competition. His competition includes all of organized crime.

Russell Crowe's character, Richie Roberts, is hell bent on doing the right thing at any given moment. Surrounded by corrupt police, Roberts bucks the trend with so much honesty that he alienates himself. His pursuit of justice also causes him ancillary family problems. Roberts, in the movie, is equally driven to catch the criminals as he is addicted. While his colleague is addicted to heroin, Roberts is addicted to sex. The veiwer watches as Roberts attempts to do what no one has ever done before, while simultaneously facing a hurricane of personal life.

Although the movie is lengthy (2 hrs 40 min for the theatric version), the story tells itself and moves along quite nicely.

This DVD features all the extra scenes that were cut from the original. The viewer is allowed to watch either the original version or the theatric version. Either way, you'll enjoy it!