The Bottom Line
American Gangster brings the story of one of Harlem's most notorious drug lords to the big screen in a gritty, powerful tale set in the 1970s. It's violent, edgy, and absolutely riveting. Be sure to check out the bonus features for info on the real story.
- First-rate performances by Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe
- Doesn't glamorize the true story it's based on
- Jam-packed with bonus material
- None worth noting
Description
- Starring Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, and Ruby Dee
- Written by Steven Zaillian and directed by Ridley Scott
- Rated R for violence, pervasive drug content and language, nudity and sexuality
- Trivia: American Gangster is the third film Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe have done together
- Ruby Dee earned a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her performance
- DVD Release Date: February 19, 2008
Guide Review - 'American Gangster' 2-Disc Unrated Extended Edition DVD Review
After being Harlem gangster Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson's right-hand man, Frank Lucas (Washington) takes over Bumpy's position in the gangster hierarchy upon his death. Now in charge, Lucas figures out a way to cut out the middleman in the drug trade by flying directly to Thailand and dealing with the Chinese general in charge. This allows Lucas much more control over the product, and his heroin - dubbed Blue Magic - is stronger than anything else his eager customers find on the street. Making millions hand over fist, Lucas recruits his family members to take on jobs in his operation, ensuring he'll have full control over everything in his organization.
Of course, Lucas' Blue Magic soon catches the attention of the police. But the officers assigned to the task force charged with bringing down drug dealers - led by straight arrow Richie Roberts (Crowe) - begin looking in all the wrong places. No black man has ever had as much power as this new player does and so the police don't even have Frank Lucas on their radar.
But Lucas' luck changes when he shows up at a boxing match rubbing elbows with all the bigwigs while wearing an outlandish fur coat. Suddenly Richie's crew wises up to the fact that Lucas may just be the guy behind what's become the most successful heroin outfit in New York.
The Bonus Features
The 2-disc unrated extended edition DVD treats viewers to two different versions of the film: the theatrical release and an unrated version that's about 18 minutes longer. And as if that wasn't enough, the DVD is loaded with behind-the-scenes featurettes. Everything from the costumes to the casting to staging the boxing match to insight into the real Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts is featured in the bonus material. Plus, the DVD contains deleted scenes and a commentary track by director Scott and writer Zaillian.
