American Gangster Review

I am happy to say American Gangster was everything I hoped it would be, and then some.  What an awesome movie.  I didn't even realize to the end that it was based on a true story.  That just makes it more enjoyable to me.

Denzel Washington is AMAZING as Frank Lucas, the "bad guy" in the movie.  Although for being a bad guy, I really like his character a lot.  Frank Lucas became the LARGEST smuggler of Heroin during the Vietnam War, using military planes to smuggle it into America.  I'm telling you, I love it when an actor can pull off the bad guy role just as well as he does the good guy role.  I was mesmerized by his ability to portray this character.  He exudes so much confidence, so much power....he does a terrific job.

Russell Crowe does a equally great job as Richie Roberts, the detective that is assigned to bring down all the major drug dealers.  He has a lot of struggles, trying to track down the right people, and a lot of personal struggles that we learn about as well.  

It's unusual for me to cheer for both the good guy & the bad guy in the movie, but that's exactly what I was doing.  I honestly didn't know who I liked better.  They both did terrific jobs & both of their characters were likable.

Cuba Gooding Jr. had a small part in the movie as well, and honestly I would of liked to see more of him.  And guess who else is in it!  Remember Inigo Montoya from the movie Princess Bride?    You can't forget his line:  "My name is Inigo Montoya.  You killed my father.  Prepare to die."  He's in this movie too, and it was so nice seeing him acting again.  It's the first thing I've seen him in since the Princess Bride.  He plays Russell Crowe's partner in the beginning of the movie.

YES, watch this movie.  It's a long one though, so be sure you've got lots of time.  But it is worth every minute.