AMERICAN GANGSTER
Ridley Scott, dir; USA; 157 mins
I'm sure as we head into the thick of Oscar season, they'll be plenty of buzz about the "heavyweight" performances of Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in AMERICAN GANGSTER. Both are great actors and I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable film. But I'll need to emphasize "heavyweight" again. Not in reference to thespian talents, but to girth. Denzel must be at a comfortable stage in his career, judging by the muffin top that he displays throughout the film. In one memorable scene, we get to see gravity in full effect as he sits stoically in a tank top while his man-boobs spill down towards his navel. Russell fares somewhat better in the Jenny Craig department as he lumbers along after the baddies. It is such a stylishly conceived film, I was surprised that director Ridley Scott let his two main actors get away with looking so frumpy at times. Overall, the film moves at a lean pace, is briskly edited, and well-directed. It's certainly worth the price of admission and makes for an exciting three hour experience.
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