"American Gangster"

Surprisingly good.

Seriously... With a title as generic as "American Gangster" and with actors as huge as Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington, ManwithaVan was expecting a typical Hollywood shoot-em-up. But the story Director Ridley Scott ("Gladiator") tells here of a low-key Harlem Kingpin and a by-the-book Jersey Cop is far more exciting; unique in its utterly gritty and honest portrayal. Both Crowe's and Washington's real-life characters (Richie Roberts and Frank Lucas) were consultants for the extensive locations shoots in New York City, which doubles terrifically as its filthy 70's self.