They don’t call me “Hustleman” for nothing. Last week, I was on Myspace and one of my friends on there sent me a link to view the movie American Gangster. The sheer star power of Denzel Washingon and Russell Crowe was enough to pique my curiousity enough to click on the link and view the movie. I guess, since I i-hustled the film company out of the $20 they would have gotten from me and my date, the least I can do is review it and apply one of my patented ListenToLeon Swagger Scale ratings.
To the movie studio, before you consider litigation, I will probably be at the theater sometime this weekend to see the movie. I liked it that much. So there’s no need to sicc your high-powered, pit-bull-in-a-suit lawyers on me. Besides, suing me would be like kicking a homeless person on the ground: a pointless exercise that would only make you look like some kind of f*cked-up bully.
American Gangster chronicles the rise and fall of Frank Lucas, 1970′s Harlem’s most notorious Heroin kingpin, along with the crusade of Richie Roberts, the man responsible for taking him down. The dual storylines present a compelling tale of two very intelligent, driven and ultimately, flawed men on an inevitable collision course. Both Crowe and Washington turned in excellent performances, which should suprise no one.
In my opinion, the movie was really good. I wouldn’t call it an instant classic, but definitely worth your money should you choose to go see it. It would drag a slight bit at times, but each moment it started to feel a little long, something exciting happened and pulled me right back in. I really think the only reason I felt that lull is because I watched a half-assed version on a computer screen while in bed. On a theater screen, I’m sure that viewing experience would have added another dimension. The only aspect of the film that I can criticize is that it left me curious to know more about Frank Lucas’ past and some of the more intricate details of his operation which were glazed over a bit. Overall, it defintely entertained me.
I know that the only reason you’ve read this far is because you know a Swagger Scale rating is on the way, so I will not keep you waiting any further.
The official ListenToLeon Swagger Scale rating for American Gangster:
So there you have it. I liked American Gangster. Liked it a lot. Can’t quite say that I loved it, but it’s a quality film and a safe bet if you’re going to the movies this weekend.
My momma ‘nem saw it last weekend thansk to the NY bootleg man aroudn her way. She too liked it. I guess this might be one of thoe movies that crosses generations.
they made that movie in my hood. and i got to meet TI and Denzel. TI ‘s head is really big in person but nevertheless he still looks damn good. it was cool seeing them turn my hood into a seventies theme. it was fun but the people was out there all day everyday with their cameras and shit making mad noise til the point where it got annoying. i watched all the little kids from hood put on these seventies clothes to be extras in the movie it was really cute. i tried to bag denzel but he told me to wait until i atleast turnned 21 so that he could get me drunk. he’s a cool guy and i’d be his groupie anyday!
and for the record it wasnt even taped in harlem it was taped in bensonhurst brooklyn new york
I honestly did not care for the movie and found it to be JUST OK.
T.I. as Common’s son? Cmon
Russell Crowe as the “good cop”…I thought he would have been better as one of the bad boys. And there was way too much time spent on Russel and his divorce and the relationship with his kid&wife.
Frank’s relationship with his family and specificially his brothers was not the way it was in real life at all.
There was soooooooo much unnecessary stuff in it. It was way too long and there is not one scene that I would consider noteworthy. It’s not a movie you’d want to watch over and over.
Opinionated Diva, I see you are aptly named! But seriously, I do agree that they spent too much time on his divorce. I liked Russell Crowe as the “good” cop, and the way that his personal life was the complete opposite of his police work. I would have liked it better if they had spent less time on that aspect, though.
I didn’t really see anything wrong with TI playing common’s son. He looked older with that Issac Hayes beard! Besides, theoratically, a man common’s age (35 or 36) could have a 20 year old son. I have a friend who became a father at 14.
@ Ms Sarkastic, that’s hilarious! Invite me to your 21st birthday party. You won’t need Denzel after experiencing the Hustleman Wang! ;)
@ Hostess, for a gangster movie, it was something that I would see older audiences liking as much as younger ones…maybe even more. The profanity and violence fit the story and wasn’t too over-the-top.
Glad you did this review. SMH at people already dogging this movie. I saw it a few days ago and I was impressed. People need to realize that his movie is not what they think it is. You expect more?? Expect what?? More violence?? More action?? If you think this movie is another Scarface, kill yourself. This is based on A TRUE STORY. The director is not going to put false features in this movie to satisfy your killing taste buds. Also Richie was involved heavily contemplating on Lucas’ work so that explains why half of the movie was on him as well and slow at times.
Do the research and know the life of the man in which the movie is based on. If you do not like this movie then you are not into Lucas’ life. The acting Denzel, Russell and the rest did in this movie was excellent so it amazes me on how people do not like this movie or say its a disappointment. Not going at nobody in particular in here, just a thought I’d share with yall. Def take Leon’s word because it’s def worth the money. Go see it (even if you seen the bootleg) I am tonight. Any beautiful ladies in here would like to join me????
AG the album Nov 6th *throws the ROC sign*
Fun Fact: This movie had the most number of locations filmed in a movie
My boyfriend has been getting a million phone calls in regards to this AG bootleg. And every time he turns to me asks again if I want to purchase a copy, and every time he returns to his phone call with the same exasperated tone, talking to his friends, like I’m passing up a chance to see Denzel, literally, pop out the tv screen and start cooking dinner and cleaning our house. Keep in mind we go to the movies like 3 or 4 times a month, and never buy bootlegs, but people are acting like this bootleg is the second coming of Jesus… Like forget all the other bootlegs, you just have to grab this one or you’re going to hell. What he should have done was gotten the bootleg for 30 Days of Night, and I could have half-watched it from the comfort of my couch. Now we’ve contributed to the idea of another crappy vampire sequel, but can’t pay a few dollars to see a good performance.
@ Big Homie, I think a lot people were expecting this movie to be “The Godfather” or something epic like that because of the stars involved. That’s probably why some folks were dissapointed. My advice for everyone going to see it is to just take the film for what it is, instead of coming in expecting it to be some kind of instant cinematic classic.
@ Marleaux, that sucks that he insisted on the bootleg for this, but went to see 30 Days of Night.” Although I do kind of want to see 30 Days of Night. On bootleg. :)
I for one was not expecting the movie to be “The Godfather”, but I have to ask for those of you who really like it…what was so great about it?
You take out Denzel and Russell and most people wouldn’t have even bothered with it. It’s probably the reason the first attempt to distribute this movie with Denzel was shelfed and then remade.
I’m trying to look past the big names in the movie. The story line itself just didn’t do it for me.
I’m not dogging the movie…just stating my opinion.
I liked the parallel storylines, and the fact that this dude actually pulled off what he did. One man(a black guy, at that) figuring out a way to pimp the US Army AND basically create a street monopoly on Heroin in NY? That in itself is very interesting. They could have used new actors(albeit, talented ones) with a story like that, and it would work.
Granted, they would not have gotten this kind of press and buzz, but still, it’s a great story, and they pulled it off. The only part that we’ll probably agree on is that I enjoyed the BET “American Gangster” episode on Frank Lucas just as much, if not a little more. I’m a fan of true crime stories, so I tend to prefer those to the Hollywood ones.
Ok…on that I will agree with you. I did enjoy the BET American Gangster episode on Frank Lucas…but then I’m into documentaries, so that explains that.
And I’ll agree to disagree on the rest…Happy Friday people.
@ Opinionated Diva, I like documentaries, too. I have always been into history, so I appreciate stuff like that. This is the most fun I’ve had in the comments section in awhile now. I need more folks to give feedback like that over here. Thanks. I should go over to your site and return the favor ;)
Glad to see you returned the favor…you have a new fan in me!
Funny you wrote this blog because there was a discussion about this today at work. Usually I won’t go to the movies to see anything but epics and horrors but after seeing the doc on BET I felt I would def miss out if I didn’t see this. It’s crazy how we’re so hyped about watching a movie about Italian and Cuban mafia’s but when it comes to black gangstas we’re quick to diss and call that person an ignorant negro. Truth is, to do and be what Frank was takes a lot of intelligence, strategy, and planning. This man was CEO of a flourishing business, you have to respect his gangsta. Though his business was a negative empire it proves that we aren’t a lazy and uninspired people. No, I wouldn’t go to career day at an elementary school and recruit for this line of work but….you gotta respect the gangsta.
Big Homie I’ll go with you. Call me boo.
My thoughts on…hey you stole my bit! Anyway, I was interested in seeing this movie, and after this review, I probably will. If I do, I’ll use your method though.
My bad @ Leon! You’re an influential dude, because I didn’t even realize that paraphrased the name of your blog!
@ Khaleela, stop using my blog to pick up my friends! *hating* lol
I just saw American Gangster last night. I wish the film had explored more of Lucas life then all the times he kirked out on somebody! Lucas got a 70 year sentenced reduced to 15 years. Did the rest of his peeps luck out like that? Why did the movie take so many pot shots at Nicky Barnes? Why did Lucas wear that loud-ass chinchilla coat (with a hat no less) after he blasted his friend’s outfit for being so loud?
@ kh20s, check out this entry from The Smoking Section:
http://smokingsection.rawkus.com/TSS/?p=2287
They asked the same sort of questions that the movie left unanswered, and put up links to some very interesting articles on both Frank Lucas and Nicky Barnes, including a recent conversation between the two men and Marc Jacobson(author of the article that “American Gangster” is based off of).
He wore the loud suit because it was a gift from his wife and did not want to disappoing her by not wearing it. Weakness on his part, but i think at the time he was feeling a tad bit invincible. You could see his hesitation of the suit when she gave it to him.
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