Reviewed by Ellen Kimball

November 2, 2007

Seven years in the making, the movie "American Gangster" is a carefully crafted accomplishment from director Ridley Scott and co-producer Brian Grazer. The film is based on the true story of a 1970's Harlem crime lord whose exploits made him something of a cult figure.

"American Gangster" may not be for everyone, but fans of past gangster classics - as well as those who liked HBO's "The Sopranos" - will love and appreciate it. If it's not your favorite genre, you may still find yourself admiring the excellence of every facet of what Grazer and Scott have created. It is memorable and perhaps the best film released thus far this year. It is certainly deserving of Academy Award consideration in many categories. It could be the year that Ridley Scott is finally rewarded with an Oscar for his directorial ability. He has been a nominee on three past occasions: "Thelma and Louise" (1991), "Gladiator" (2000), and "Black Hawk Down", (2001).

"American Gangster" is the story of Frank Lucas who is played perfectly by Denzel Washington. Frank worked for years as a quiet and unremarkable driver for one of the inner city's leading black crime bosses. Everything changes when Frank's boss and mentor suddenly dies. Using what he has learned, Frank, in his calm yet sometimes violent ways, creates a powerful organization and business that is able to take on the traditional crime families and win.

Richie Roberts, played wonderfully by Russell Crowe, is an outcast cop who goes his own way and is uncompromisingly honest. He senses the changes that are taking place but knows nothing of Frank Lucas. However, his dogged determination to uncover the truth about what is going on puts him on a course that is destined to ultimately lead to a confrontation with Lucas. This plays out in 2½ hours of rapid-fire action and twists and turns that speeds the audience through the time without a regret and wishing for more.

The script is by Steven Zaillian. The supporting cast is great. Look for Ruby Dee as Frank's mother. In smaller roles, look for Armand Assante as Dominic Catano and Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Nicky Barnes.

This is a fine piece of work and well deserving of the "A" rating I'm giving it on Ellen's Entertainment Report Card.

Ellen Kimball is a pioneer talk show host - one of the first women to host her own daily AM radio call-in talk shows in both Miami and Boston. Ellen and her husband Al are both retired in Oregon where they have resided since 1998. Ellen contributes her reviews on film, DVDs, theater, and books to Portland's Accessible Information Network, which is heard locally in Oregon and southern Washington, as well as on the Internet.

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