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As far as gangster films go, there’s not a lot that hasn’t been done 11 times before, and American Gangster isn’t entirely different. It does revolve around one of the chief African American gangsters of the time, Frank Lucas, as opposed to the Italian lot, which is refreshing. It is set largely in Harlem instead of New York, which again, is nice. And it is directed by someone new to this particular genre. However, the formula pretty much remains the same; guy gets drugs, sells drugs, gets rich, stays rich, gets caught, cooperates with the police, etc etc.

The good thing is, the differences are large enough for it to be interesting and new, and the tried-and-tested gangster film formula is done well enough to make it a very good film.

The two back stories crafted for the two main characters are great. Again, you know what’s going to happen in the end, but its good fun to watch it all play out. Decent performances from Crowe and Washington add to this; Washington has the kind of Ray-Liotta-cool that makes you want to be a gangster, despite the horrid stuff they get up to.

I’m Biased

Yes, I am. I can’t recall a gangster film that I haven’t really enjoyed, but Ellie (who falls asleep within the first 30 minutes of Mean Streets) loved this as well. Four thumbs up.