Ridley Scott's American Gangster
10-25-07, 12:26 AM
#32
Originally Posted by BJacks
AG is a good movie, but nothing that I'll remember a year from now.
The more previews I see of this, the more I'm reminded of Training Day. Great movie, award caliber performance, but easily forgettable after awards season is over.
10-25-07, 12:45 PM
#33
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Originally Posted by Boba Fett
Like Training Day?
The more previews I see of this, the more I'm reminded of Training Day. Great movie, award caliber performance, but easily forgettable after awards season is over.
The more previews I see of this, the more I'm reminded of Training Day. Great movie, award caliber performance, but easily forgettable after awards season is over.
I'd agree with that somewhat. Washington and Crowe were great, but not really Award-worthy performances. I also enjoyed RZA's performance, he didn't try to over-step his acting abilities. IMHO
Last edited by SPiRAL; 10-25-07 at 12:48 PM.
10-25-07, 04:47 PM
#35
Just posted here about a documentary I saw last night that deals with the same era and similar events. It's about Nicky Barnes rather than Frank Lucas (Denzel's character) though. According to IMDB, Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Barnes in Scott's film. It made me even more excited to see American Gangster next weekend!
10-25-07, 09:22 PM
#38
^^^ it doesn't resemble Training Day. I liked it for what it was, but to be honest there's nothing in this movie that hasn't been done before, and better. Crowe's character is a bit more interesting than Washington's. While nothing about it is really bad, it definitely isn't a great film. As far as adult movies to see out there, I'd recommend Gone Baby Gone or Michael Clayton before I would this one.
10-26-07, 12:07 AM
#39
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Originally Posted by PacMan2006
How is this at all resembling Training Day aside from Denzel being a bad guy???
10-28-07, 04:36 AM
#43
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Just saw it. Thoroughly engrossing, and unlike other films this year (Zodiac in particular), this one earns its running time. Very well paced and terrifically performed - Denzel, as is expected, was fantastic - all charisma and menace, and Crowe was so rock solid and understated that even sharing almost equal screen time with Denzel, his performance makes it's own case to be campaigned in the supporting catergory (this would allow him to go for a double-nom and shoot for Lead in 3:10 to Yuma, which I've yet to see).
Scott's direction was excellent with what he had .. there's little room to bring something fresh to the gangster picture nowadays but I loved his kinetic approach to all the action in the film (of which there is far less than you'd expect, but is ultimately far more rewarding, a la Death Proof). If there's anything against the film, it's that I agree wholeheartedly that there's nothing all that groundbreaking, narrative-wise. Instead, it's enthralling entertainment that hits all the right extra notes to transcend the typical popcorn action-thriller, and a superb film that makes no apologies for what it is. If pushed, would rate it ****/*****.
Scott's direction was excellent with what he had .. there's little room to bring something fresh to the gangster picture nowadays but I loved his kinetic approach to all the action in the film (of which there is far less than you'd expect, but is ultimately far more rewarding, a la Death Proof). If there's anything against the film, it's that I agree wholeheartedly that there's nothing all that groundbreaking, narrative-wise. Instead, it's enthralling entertainment that hits all the right extra notes to transcend the typical popcorn action-thriller, and a superb film that makes no apologies for what it is. If pushed, would rate it ****/*****.
Last edited by hardercore; 10-28-07 at 04:41 AM.
10-28-07, 10:04 AM
#44
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To this movie if it wasn't for the 2 stars & director teaming up for this movie I wouldn't care for it. This movie looks like because of the stars & director it's going to be a impact movie like HEAT was.
10-28-07, 01:54 PM
#46
There were too many pointless and disconnected scenes. You never really get to know Frank Lucas, other than the fact that he's motivated and wants to spread his wealth to his family. That's fine, but it doesn't make for a very interesting character. Frank's competition is also pretty boring. Richie Roberts is a far more interesting character, although I could've done without the subplot with his family. I don't get the comparison to Zodiac.
10-28-07, 05:09 PM
#47
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Originally Posted by Brack
I don't get the comparison to Zodiac.
10-28-07, 10:17 PM
#49
Originally Posted by hardercore
The only comparison I made was that both are 160 minutes. Gangster feels like it earns that running time by moving along nicely throughout, Zodiac meandered somewhat in the second half and really felt its length.