Welcome to Reel People. It’s a place where, you guessed it, real people like yourselves spout off on new movie releases. It works best if you - yes, we mean you - jump into the forum link below and tell us what you think of the movie, too.

This week, we’re watching American Gangster.

What I Liked: The acting. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe have come a long way since starring together in 1995’s Virtuosity. Although they do not have too much screen time together, when they do finally connect, their chemistry is right on. Denzel, in particular, has captured the role of the villain you love to hate even better than in Training Day. There is Oscar buzz written all over both of their roles.

What I Disliked: The editing. When the movie begins, there is no real introduction of characters. You are just thrown right in to the meat of it and it takes some time to get used to what is happening around you. Nothing in particular sucks you into the plot of the film. Also, if you are adverse to needles, you will be turning your head away from the screen more than once.

Would I Recommend?: Yes and No. Yes, because the acting is truly fun to watch. You want to see what happens next with both main characters. No, because this film had the potential to be phenomenal but it falls short in the editing room which causes a lot of overall frustration. The miriad of trailers that have run for this film make it look much more exciting and monumental then it really turns out to be.

Score: 7 out of 10

- Michelle Schenck

What I Liked: Director Ridley Scott nudges an unstoppable force rolling toward and immovable object at the beginning of this tale of the rise and fall of a 1970s Harlem crime lord. Denzel Washington portrays Frank Lucas, who inherits the reins of his bosses burgeoning street businesses and turned them into an empire by focusing on heroin trafficking. Do-good New Jersey cop Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, finds himself ostracized by his fellow officers, most of who are corrupt, and leads a specially formed drug task force. Based on a true story, the tight script, brilliant direction and strong performances by its leads keeps this film evenly paced and engaging.

What I Disliked: While the lead characters are well drawn with all their strengths and flaws, the minor characters that help support the story could have been better developed during the 2 1/2 hour film. This is especially true of Frank’s inner circle, mainly comprised of his inexperienced brothers brought in after Lucas has become well-established.

Would I Recommend?: American Gangster pulls no punches, providing well-rounded characters to follow and moments of humor offset with intense drama. It ranks as one of the best American crime films since Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in America.”

Score: 8 out of 10

- Don Smith

What I Liked: Oscar winner Denzel Washington does it again! American Gangster is awesome! Now being a female, I am not really into ganster, drug and shoot ‘em up movies.  However, this movie is really much more.  It gives a wonderfully crafted portrayal of Frank Lucas’ story and so much more.  You get to see both sides of the fence in the battle of drug lords, junkies and the law enforcers.  There are so many stories told here but you never get lost or bored.  They do a great job of keeping each story separate in itself and then they come together seamlessly for a great movie.  Ofcourse Denzel did his usual stunning job of the portrayal of Frank Lucas. However, you have to give credit to all of the actors in this film as they all deserve an award.  Russel Crowe, though not his usual star role, made a great impact as a ‘good cop’ slash dad.  There’s also so many others in the star studded cast that I didn’t expect like Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin, Chjwetel Ejiofor, Ruby Dee and not able rappers like Common, T. I. and RZA of the WuTang Clan.  Everyone did an equally convincing job.  You learn a lot about the underworld of drugs and crime as well as the plights and corruption of law enforcement which longs to keep our country safe for all.  You find yourself feeling sympathy and a sorted sense of pride for the supposed ‘bad guy’ in Frank as a family man, husband and intellectual ‘entrepreneur’ as it was. However, you’ll find a new respect for the police force and narcotics squads or a lack there of in some cases.  The costumes, makeup and music were great and the sets were on the mark.  I am originally from New Jersey and that is exactly how I remember it as a little girl raised in the ‘hood’ during the 70’s.  Everything was well played down to the police losing their lungs climbing the stairs of the projects, talk about reality!

What I Disliked: There is not anything to dislike about this movie.  It is rather graphic and straight forward in its depictions.  But it is the fact that they ‘keep it real’ with no sugar coating that makes this movie great. It is a harsh reality to learn the facts that the movie teaches: the death toll and broken families due to drug abuse, the extent of the corruption in our law enforcement and how vulnerable we are at times as a country.  However, every fact helps us deal as a people in our struggle to survive.  You learn a lot here, maybe a little too much for some.  No kids allowed. If you are a guy and you like a lot of extreme action, killing and fighting, you may be a bit disappointed.  From what I thought I heard of Frank Lucas, I thought there’d be much more brain guts on the floor, especially with the opening scene.  However, though not much on action and shoot outs, this movie keeps your interest peaked from beginning to end.

Would I Recommend?: I highly recommend this movie.  I strongly advise against taking small children as there is a lot of nudity, profanity and too many things to explain afterward.  If you don’t have a strong stomache or mindset, brace yourself.  Also, your influencial young teens shouldn’t see this alone either.  You’ll need to stress how wrong things are although very glamorous.  I guess it is no different than the videos they watch daily, but we just don’t want them getting any bad ideas.  Otherwise, come out on opening week and enjoy this great re-enactment of an awesome true story.

Score: 10 out of 10

- Tanisha Speight