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'American Gangster' Wastes Two Brilliant Actors

Isthmus | November 6, 2007

Director Ridley Scott keeps everything dark and moody, the better to court Oscar's favor. But this is no Godfather or The Departed; it's too inert.

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Tags: American Gangster, Ridley Scott

Isthmus

Isthmus is Madison, Wisconsin's alternative newspaper. Since 1976, Isthmus has built a foundation of fearless reporting, forthright opinion, excellent arts coverage, and innovative perspective. These efforts have been rewarded by numerous sources including the Milwaukee Press Club's statewide Excellence in...

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Bending over backwards to be fair, Boogie Man both gives Atwater too much credit and doesn't give him enough blame. Surely this wasn't the first guy who ever played a dirty trick, but even if he was, is that anything to be impressed by?

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Dear old dad takes another left hook to the chin in When Did You Last See Your Father? -- well, not a hook so much as a series of jabs.

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Why Can't Oscar Winners Give Better Speeches?new

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Tags: Anand Tucker, When Did You Last See Your Father?

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Tags: Christopher Nolan, The Dark Knight

Steve Carell is an Unlikely Spy in 'Get Smart'new

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'American Gangster' Wastes Two Brilliant Actors

Isthmus

More by Kent Williams

Why Can't Oscar Winners Give Better Speeches?new

'Boogie Man' Looks at the Man Who Brought You Willie Hortonnew

'Father' is a Bittersweet Look Backnew

More by Isthmus

Why Can't Oscar Winners Give Better Speeches?new

'Boogie Man' Looks at the Man Who Brought You Willie Hortonnew

'Father' is a Bittersweet Look Backnew

'The Dark Knight' is the Best Batman Evernew

Steve Carell is an Unlikely Spy in 'Get Smart'new