 | |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
by Todd Pearage Rated R for violence, pervasive drug content and language, nudity and sexuality. Directed by Ridley Scott (Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator) Starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe Todd's Rating: Theatre Worthy The story revolves around two similar characters. Both Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) share the same work ethic and strong, yet flawed, ethical code that separate them from their colleagues. Their only difference: they stand on opposite sides of the law. Frank Lucas was the quiet driver to one of Harlem’s African-American crime bosses. At his side when his boss suddenly dies, Frank seizes the opportunity and begins to build his own empire. It’s not long before Lucas is sitting on top of the inner-city drug trade. His method is simple: a better product at a better price. Richie Roberts, who because of his honesty, is an outcast with the other cops. After the death of his partner he becomes obsessed with finding the man behind the powerful heroin on the street, Blue Magic. This is a great movie…the fact that it is based on a true story makes it a stinking (or freaking) great movie about one man’s rise and fall and another man’s fall and rise. Washington is so believable in the role of Lucas that at times seeing his actions and the results of his actions appalls us; other times we admire him like a hero. In the same way Crowe is such a flawed hero that in one scene he appears to be the poster boy for integrity when he turns is a trunk full of money, but the next we see him in a messy divorce as a womanizing, absent father. As a result we struggle with our own moral beliefs and who we are suppose to cheer for. As far as direction, Ridley Scott once again directs a near flawless film, together with some amazing performances by Crowe and Washington, make American Gangster one of the best organized crime dramas to come along in a long time. SHOULD KIDS SEE IT? Not a chance. The language, drug use, violence and sexual content give American Gangster a true R-rating. 
Todd Pearage is a movie buff at heart, but he's not your traditional film critic.
Todd is a blue collar film geek, from his job years ago at Blockbuster to his heartfelt online movie reviews. But
Todd isn't just a film geek. He has worked with middle and high school students since 1991 as a youth pastor in
Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Todd and his wife Lynda are both graduates of Philadelphia Biblical
University and have two children, Brianna and Caleb. Todd loves sports and movies and is always up for a good laugh.
He is a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and his favorite movies include Braveheart and Tommy Boy. Todd's reviews
reflect his love for kids and for his family.
|
|
 PRE-ORDER NOW & GET FREE PPT TRAINING TODAY   CLICK HERE FOR MORE  |
|
© 1999-2009 The Source for Youth Ministries
Site Disclaimer
|
Designed by WebNurds |