The Bootlegger's Chronicles

American Gangster

Knock, Knock. Who's there? Oscar!

Denzel has done it again and this time he and Russell are side by side in this. Just when you thought all the good movies ended in the Summer the Winter winds brings along one of the hottest flicks for 2007.

"Loosely" based on the true events that brought Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts together. From the rise of two men and the fall of one the movie kept you in its grasp from beginning to end. This movie has it all: action, drama, violence and heart. I saw this movie but decided to hold off on writing up the review until I did a bit more research and I'm glad that I did.

The world of Lucas and Roberts was a twisted one - as it usually is with gangsters and law enforcement. The times were different and grittier than most of the young kids living today would be able to handle. Most of the studio rappers could only wish for material like this but the glamor of it all seems to never last.

With the empire that Lucas built it always seems that there is someone to watch. There are never really loyal people on your side just folks waiting for their chance to shine. If you're too nice you're seen as a sucker to be taken advantage of; if you're too harsh then you're a ruthless dictator that needs to be taken out. Frank for some reason seemed to know the difference and find a balance.
However as many others before him the fear of a long jail sentence urged someone else to turn on him. Even Frank realized that living behind bars until a toe tag was placed on the big one wasn't the way to go. He eventually coughed up some names, dates & places to broker a shorter term.

Roberts went from good cop to DA throughout his chase with the corrupt and most of the time was spent chasing Frank. Through it all the men found themselves unlikely allies. This film helped to highlight what most New Yorkers already knew - there are crooked cops at most corners you turn. Most worse than the street trash running around. It also showed how one man brought a whole new meaning to the term "Family Business."

On behalf of The Bootlegger's Chronicles I am actually endorsing attendance at the movie theaters. Never mind the DVD cut I received anonymously, though it was greatly appreciated, I will be attending a theater to view this bad boy again. There are plenty of theaters out there that offer discounted prices. NO NEED to shell out over $40 to view the film and have snacks. The $6 and $5 are all over New York. Seek them out.!!

Even Ruby Dee does her thing in this all star cast. As Frank's mom she shows that she too got caught up in the life of luxury and when the cards came tumbling down mom dukes decided to ask questions. Why do we wait until after the threat has knocked on the door to question the choices of those around us? Either way check out this film.

If it's missing from the Oscar noms or if Denzel or even Russell don't walkaway with that damn statue TBC will create our own and hand those out. Damn it don't make us because there are more than enough statue shows to go around!!!

10 blades goes out to the film as a whole. From the stars to the director to the writers of this film, they all came together and made it a movie to add to the collection!
20 handcuffs to the undercover who sent us this amazing copy. These are few and far in between. The rare copy deserves more than the standard cap off.

Official Drop: November 2, 2007
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