American Gangster

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 2, 2007

DVD Release Date: February 18, 2008

Plot 411: An honest cop goes after one of New York's most infamous drug dealers.

Review: Originally from the south but living and working up north as the right-hand man for a major drug lord, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) quickly learns the ins and outs of running an illegal empire. When his boss dies, he decides to take over the territory and has no qualms about killing anyone in his way. He soon grows his empire by purchasing heroin directly from the source, something no one has done before, and marketing the product as blue magic. His product is cheaper and better than his competitors and he soon holds the largest market share. His nemisis in this movie is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is an honest cop in a sea of corruption. Despite his failing marriage, undercover work and lack of popularity on the force due to his Boy Scout ways, he manages to be promoted and put in charge of stopping the spread of drugs in New York. This is a movie based on true life, which already makes it a lot more interesting than some other flicks. Washington and Crowe are like to seasoned heavy weights going at it. Even though they lead separate lives for much of the film, you can still see how they are connected. I love how the filmmakers contrast good and evil, right and wrong thoughout the movie. It makes you see that people are complex beings and cannot only be judged from one perspective. Also in this film are Josh Brolin, Chewetel Ejiofor, Ted Levine, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr, Armand Assante and Idris Elba.

Watch It: For a gritty, noir-like film about drugs, corrupt cops and capitalism.

Skip It: And its unapologetic violence.

Out Of Time

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: October 3, 2003

DVD Release Date: January 6, 2004

Plot 411: A small town chief of police is tangled in a web of deception and murder.

Review: Denzel Washington is Matthias Whitlock, the chief of police in a small town in Florida. He is secretly having an affair with Ann (Sanaa Lathan), his high school sweetheart, despite her marriage to the abusive Chris (Dean Cain). However, when Ann and Chris are found burned to death in a possible homicide, all roads point back to Whitlock and he must cover his adulterous tracks. Luckily (or unluckily) for him, his soon-to-be ex-wife Alex (Eva Mendes) is on the case. She recently made detective and is out to prove herself. Despite the slow beginning, this film actually picked up steam about a third of the way into it. All the secrets and double crossings began to appear, which made the movie a bit more interesting. Lathan and Mendes looked great in this film. It might've been the humidity of the Florida air, but their skin always looked flushed and dewy. Cain thoroughly looked and played the part of the rogue. This wasn't the best mystery/thriller flick ever, but it was decent. I loved the county's medical examiner Chae (John Billingsley) the most for the comical relief he provided.

Watch It: If you like Washington's rather stoic and cool-headed demeanor.

Skip It: If you're seeking an action packed flick. This was more of a slow burn.

The Taking Of Pelham 123

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 12, 2009

DVD Release Date: November 3, 2009

Plot 411: Gunmen hijack a subway train and negotiate with an NYC dispatcher.

Review: John Travolta plays Ryder, an ex-con Wall Street stockbroker who hooks up with a fellow inmate (Luis Guzman) to hatch a scheme to make a ton of money. He is angry at the city of New York for putting him away for 10 years and seeks to take his revenge. He demands $10 million in 60 minutes and will kill one passenger for every minute that the money is late. However, the ransom is just a decoy because he's really betting on a tremendous drop in the stock market. Throughout the film, Ryder will speak only to Garber (Denzel Washington), a dispatcher who is under investigation for taking a bribe. When a hostage negotiator (John Turturro) tries to take over, Ryder shoots and kills the subway driver to prove his point. This is mostly a suspense thriller and not really an action flick. I thought there was going to be some kind of message about wrongful incarceration or the evils of capitalism, but this was mostly about revenge. Travolta and Washington just weren't enough to keep my attention. The plot just didn't seem to go anywhere. Things were happening but they seemed disjointed. One event didn't really link up with another. The look of the film was like a high fashion glossy magazine trying to pretend it was all gangsta - bright lights contrasting with the darkness of the subway. This was mostly a disappointing experience.

Watch It: If maybe you need your fix of Travolta. However, even then there are other ways to service your needs.

Skip It: In favor of the 1974 version. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 100% rating.