American Gangster the Movie

AHSI....The new movie starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe is based on the life of Frank Lucas. Frank who was the former driver/hitman for Bumpy Johnson is originally from North Carolina. He moved to Harlem New York and that is where the movie introduces you this notorious gangster's life. I would suggest to everyone to see the series American Gangster on BET. They profiled Mr. Lucas on Wednesday and the movie chronicles the events that were spoken by the real life Frank Lucas. AHSI gives American Gangster 4 eyeballs.

ASSI - American Gangster represents an era of gangsters: Military Personnel, Police Detectives, Street Hustlers, and of course the Mafia are all gangster who profit from Heroin epedimic that crippled Harlem. Frank Lucas played by Denzel Washington elevated the drug game when he acquired the purest heroin his money could purchase, and under cutting his competition by 50 percent. Making his product "Blue Magic" the best product on the street that was affordable for the average junkie. Frank was a low key narcotic dealer, who believed in nepotism, he relocated his entire family from North Carolina to New Jersey where they became entrepreneurs who operated store front business to launder drug money. He fell in love with Ms. Puerto Rico who purchased an extravagant Chinchilla Fur Coat and matching hat for Frank that changed the course of his life.

Ritchie Roberts (Russell Crowe) is an honest officer who has a reckless personal life. He is on a mission to bring down the drug Lords when he stumbles upon Frank Lucas who forgot his number one and golden rule "always maintain a low profile" became a target when he sported the Fur to an Ali/Fraser fight. To Roberts and others it was impossible for a Black man to acquire and import large quantities of heroin, but Frank was a street smart hustler who was unafraid and left with little options after his Mentor, Bumpy Johnson died. Frank had his pulse on society and used the war to his advantage. Roberts refused to profit from drug money, he wanted the drugs off the streets, the crooked cops, and military personnel who benefited.

American Gangster is a well written, directed, and cast delivers believable performances that captures your attention from the beginning. Rudy Dee, who plays mama Lucas brought southern charm and excitement to her scenes. As I see it American Gangster is great movie that sheds light not only on a notorious kingpin, a courageous unorthodox detective, but the true effects the war and heroin had on our country. I give it 3.5 blinks.