Metacritic Movie Ratings
American Gangster Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 100

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  This is an engrossing story, told smoothly and well, and Russell Crowe's contribution is enormous.

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• 90

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan

  Finely made and richly satisfying film.

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• 88

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  The movie, based on a true story, takes surprising twists and turns right up to its chilling ending and is probably the best gangster crime drama of the year.

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• 80

  out of 100

  VarietyTodd McCarthy

  Absorbing, exciting at times and undeniably entertaining, and is poised to be a major commercial hit. But great it's not.

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• 80

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt

  It's workmanlike and engrossing, but what sticks in the mind are Frank and Richie, not what anybody does.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman

  Meticulous and detailed, a drug-world epic that holds you from moment to moment, immersing you in the intricate and sleazy logistics of crime. Yet the movie isn't quite enthralling; it's more like the ghost version of a '70s classic.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The New York TimesManohla Dargis

  Greatness hovers just outside American Gangster, knocking, angling to be let in.

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