One Paragraph Review: American Gangster

Take the money-making montages from "Scarface," the duality of depicting the cops and gangsters from "King of New York," and the drugs & random hot Latin girl from "Blow" and what you have is American Gangster. I couldn't help but feel that this movie falls short of being in the category of the movies from which it clearly drew inspiration, despite the interesting plot, competent writing and solid performances frmo Denzel & Russel Crowe. Though lacking the emotional weight of "Donnie Brasco," the sweeping brilliance and intimacy of "The Godfather"or the mayhem and violence of "Scarface," "American Gangster" is a solid crime flick that is definitely worth your time.