Nothing to Write Home About: American Gangster

American Gangster (Advance Screening)
Directed by Ridley Scott
To be released November 2, 2007

This is easily the biggest disappointment of the year. A proven great director, two Oscar-winning leads, and a stellar premise. All those elements are involved, but no one does anything special. The performances are not bad, the writing is not awful, and the direction is fine. There is nothing to enhance this movie or separate it from any other standard movie of the week. It is best summarized by one notion: I expected better from these people. This is not this year's "The Departed" by a long shot. As far as Oscars go, I cannot say what will happen. Denzel is probably out, but the movie but might still be in for Best Picture or Best Director, not that it deserves it. The music is good, however. Go in here with low expectations and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. Otherwise, do not be too hopeful.

B-