Sneak Peek

When it rains, it pours. No statement has been truer for fans of crime dramas this fall. With Gone Baby Gone, We Own the Night, and Eastern Promises all making formidable dents at the box office, it is hard to tell when audiences will grow tired of watching cops take down criminals. Folks aren't too worn out with the genre, because many suspect the best one is yet to come.

American Gangster tells the true story of Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) and his obsession with taking down crime lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington). Lucas began his career as a driver for one of the leading black mob bosses in New York City. After his employer passed away, Lucas manages to take advantage of the confusion within the group and quickly works his way up the ladder of the organization. He enjoyed great success until Detective Roberts catches wind of his drug trafficking scheme: smuggling heroin into the United States in the coffins of soldiers returning from Vietnam . As the investigation continues, Lucas realizes that his empire has an expiration date.

Those of us looking forward to this film should be grateful. American Gangster went through multiple screenplays, directors, and actors before the present incarnation was shot by Universal Pictures. Washington was actually set to play Frank Lucas during a previous production until it was shut down because of budget concerns. Nevertheless, his contract provided that he get paid ahead of time; therefore, Washington has now been paid doubly for his role. The early buzz for this film is strong, so it's probably worth checking out if the opportunity arises. If this movie doesn't intrigue you, go to Bee Movie. We all need a little more Seinfeld in our lives.