American Gangster

Already being hailed as a great film, American Gangster is a muddled, over long, over hyped disappointment. Russel Crowe and Denzel Washington excel with their roles, but that is one of very few highlights. Ridley Scott tries to give a 2 page story the same scope as Gladiator, thus creating a slow, boring mess. At times, Gangster is pleasing stylistically and plot-wise but ultimately fails in every area. I suppose I may have enjoyed it more had I not heard so many good things about it. Perhaps a good rental, but no reason to see this in theatres.