American Gangster
Reviewed by Marti
CS Rating: Bigger and Badder DVD Release!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765429/
This weeks DVD release of American Gangster isn't the usual mix of commentary and a few deleted scenes. Here we have another version, almost 20 minutes longer than the original. American Gangster was passed over by the major awards, except for a supporting actress award for the outstanding Ruby Dee, but don't let that put you off.
We have a classic rise thru the ranks for plucky Frank Lucas(Washington), who grows a huge drug crime empire in 1970's New York's Harlem. His nemesis is the un-corruptible Cop, Richie Roberts(Crowe), struggling in a corrupt ridden Police Department, to shut down Lucas.
The 70’s are captured well and Ridley Scott deserves credit for playing Lucas as an anti-hero in the Godfather sense. We have as much conflicting feelings for Lucas, as the characters have for those around them. This DVD release offers a new viewing experience by re-adding cut scenes into this stand alone verison with an extended ending.
Most DVD's nowadays offer a few deleted scenes, one after another with no real context. With these added scenes, we can get a bigger picture of the excellent portrayal of that rare breed of the noble criminal and the noble Cop who never bends the rules. This sets American Ganster a cut above the mountain of New York Harlem crime films out there. If your expecting some funky Shaft type adventure, this film delivers a lot more than that.
1 comment:
American Gangster reminded me yet again what a versatile actor Russel Crowe is… plus pretty much anything directed by Ridley Scott is gonna be good.
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