American Gangster

Nov 2007, Ridley Scott, 157 mins

There hasn't been a classic gangster movie in a long time, and unfortunately its going to be a little longer. That's not to say that 'American Gangster' doesn't have its better moments but the film is by no means the new 'Goodfellas' or 'Scarface'. The overly long 'Gangster' does offer a splendid performance from both of its leads. Denzel puts in his best work since 'Training Day' while Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott have found a picture that can fully overshadow their collaboration of last year, the terrible 'A Good Year'.

This crime epic is at times flirting with perfection but at other times flirting with disaster. The understuffed 160 minute running time is filled with 3-5 solid scenes of crime drama but shot down by 5-7 10 minute periods of borderline filler.

'Gangster' should have been better. It had all the pieces it needed to succeed ( as a great film, box office is already cashing in), 2 A list stars, and A list director, and one of the most exciting genres. However, the film failed to be anything more than just GOOD ENOUGH.

Overall, the film could have benefited from more violence, less talk, and about a 40 minute shorter running time.