American Gangster

Denzel, Denzel, Denzel, how can a handsome and talented man be so good at playing a criminal. Although not as bad as his character in training day, the character of Frank Lucas is a heroin-smuggling kingpin but Denzel brings a family-oriented side to him. Normally Russel Crowe is over-rated in my eyes but he brings a troubled good guy persona very well opposite Denzel. The real star though is Ruby Dee who portrays Mama Lucas with authority yet compassion. This is a bit violent for the obvious gangster action but not as bad as the gross-out film No Country for Old Men. American Gangster also brings to it a realization of how mch power the government has similar to Charlie Wilson's War but this movie is better than Charlie. American Gangster gets two thumbs up but scared of crossing Frank Lucas.