by Lindsay Ginn
A&E Editor

The audience at the pre-screening of “American Gangster” likened itself to that of a college frat party - a ratio of at least four men to every woman.

I assumed this going in, seeing as the previews for this flick were full of seedy point-blank assassination and chase scenes. However, I was surprised to see that the movie had more to offer than a bunch of sausage fest material.

Don’t worry, there was still gratuitous nudity as well as bloody gangster antics, but the plot is much more substantial. The story of Frank Lucas was an (oddly) refreshing look at the gangster history of America, straying from the typical “Al Capone, Bugsy Seigal, & Lucky Luciano” stereotype that we usually receive from the silver screen.

This time, it was a peek into the nefarious double-life of a family man whose loyalty to his mentor drives his ambitions to a world of crooked business. The acting was spot-on and the casting was perfect.

The talented Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe were joined by top-of-the-charts hip-hop starts like RZA, Common and T.I. However, while Crowe displayed his absolute versatility (having pulled a 180 from the recent 3:10 To Yuma), Washington seemed to be encroaching on the pigeonhole of “stern, well-spoken, and determined”. This is great - but may end up unveiling future films that he’ll be starring in.

Overall, I would recommend this movie if you’ve 2½ hours to spare. If not for the glamorous peeks into the wealthy life of an urban desperado, then watch it for the fascinating story of one of America’s most successful businessmen.