american gangster movie review rotten tomato

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, capitalism on the march.

Now streaming on:

Apart from the detail that he was a heroin dealer, Frank Lucas' career would be an ideal case study for a business school. "American Gangster" tells his success story. Inheriting a crime empire from his famous boss Bumpy Johnson, he cornered the New York drug trade with admirable capitalist strategies. He personally flew to Southeast Asia to buy his product directly from the suppliers, used an ingenious importing scheme to get it into the United States, and sold it at higher purity and lower cost than anyone else was able to. At the end, he was worth more than $150 million, and got a reduced sentence by cutting a deal to expose three-quarters of the NYPD narcotics officers as corrupt. And he always took his mom to church on Sunday.

Lucas is played by Denzel Washington in another one of those performances where he is affable and smooth on the outside, yet ruthless enough to set an enemy on fire. Here's a detail: As the man goes up in flames, Frank shoots him to put him out of his agony. Now that's merciful. His stubborn antagonist in the picture is a police detective named Richie Roberts ( Russell Crowe ), who gets a very bad reputation in the department. How does he do that? By finding $1 million in drug money -- and turning it in. What the hell kind of a thing is that to do, when the usual practice would be to share it with the boys?

There is something inside Roberts that will not bend, not even when his powerful colleague ( Josh Brolin ) threatens him. He vows to bring down Frank Lucas, and he does, although it isn't easy, and his most troubling opposition comes from within the police. Lucas, the student of the late Bumpy, has a simple credo: Treat people right, keep a low profile, adhere to sound business practices and hand out turkeys on Thanksgiving. He can trust the people who work for him because he pays them very well and many of them are his relatives.

In the movie, at least, Lucas is low-key and soft-spoken. No rings on his fingers, no gold around his neck, no spinners on his hubcaps, with a quiet marriage to a sweet wife and a Brooks Brothers image. It takes the authorities the longest time to figure out who he is, because they can't believe an African American could hijack the Harlem drug trade from the Mafia. The Mafia can't believe it, either, but Frank not only pulls it off, but is still alive at the end.

When it was first announced, Ridley Scott's film was inevitably called "The Black Godfather." Not really. For one thing, it tells two parallel stories, not one, and it really has to, because without Roberts, there would be no story to tell, and Lucas might still be in business.

But that doesn't save us from a stock female character who is becoming increasingly tiresome in the movies, the wife ( Carla Gugino ) who wants Roberts to choose between his job and his family. Their obligatory scenes together are recycled from a dozen or a hundred other plots, and although we sympathize with her (will they all be targeted for assassination?), we grow restless during her complaints. Roberts' domestic crisis is not what the movie is about.

It is about an extraordinary entrepreneur whose story was told in a New York magazine article by Mark Jacobson . As adapted into a (somewhat fictionalized) screenplay by Steve Zaillian (" Schindler's List "), Lucas is a loyal driver, bodyguard and coat holder for Bumpy Johnson (who has inspired characters in three other movies, including " The Cotton Club "). He listens carefully to Johnson's advice, cradles him when he is dying, then takes over and realizes the fatal flaw in the Harlem drug business: The goods come in through the Mafia, after having been stepped on all along the way.

So he flies to Thailand, goes upriver for a face to face with the general in charge of drugs, and is rewarded for this seemingly foolhardy risk with an exclusive contract. The drugs will come to the United States inside the coffins of American casualties, which is apparently based on fact. It's all arranged by one of his relatives.

In terms of his visible lifestyle, the story of Frank Lucas might as well be the story of J.C. Penney, except that he hands out turkeys instead of pennies. Everyone in his distribution chain is reasonably happy, because the product is high quality, the price is right, and there's money for everyone. Ironically, an epidemic of overdoses occurs when Lucas' high-grade stuff is treated by junkies as if it's the usual weaker street strength. Then Lucas starts practicing what marketing experts call branding: It becomes known that his "Blue Magic" offers twice the potency at half the price, and other suppliers are forced off the streets by the rules of the marketplace, not turf wars.

This is an engrossing story, told smoothly and well, and Russell Crowe's contribution is enormous (it's not his fault his wife complains). Looking like a care-worn bulldog, his Richie Roberts studies for a law degree, remains inviolate in his ethical standards and just keeps plugging away, building his case.

The film ends not with a " Scarface "-style shootout, but with Frank and Richie sitting down for a long, intelligent conversation, written by Zaillian to show two smart men who both know the score. As I hinted above: less " The Godfather " than " Wall Street ," although for that matter a movie named "American Gangster" could have been made about Kenneth Lay.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

Now playing

Peter Sobczynski

The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed

Black Twitter: A People's History

Rendy jones.

Kaiya Shunyata

Peyton Robinson

Film credits.

American Gangster (2007)

Rated R for violence, pervasive drug content and language, nudity and sexuality

157 minutes

Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas

Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Huey Lucas

Josh Brolin as Det. Trupo

Cuba Gooding Jr. as Nicky Barnes

RZA as Moses Jones

Ruby Dee as Frank's mother

Carla Gugino as Laurie Roberts

Armand Assante as Dominic Cattano

Ted Levine as Toback

Directed by

• Ridley Scott
• Steven Zaillian

Latest blog posts

Cannes 2024: Ghost Trail, Block Pass

At the Movies, It’s Hard Out There for a Hit Man

Far, Far Away: How to Get People Going to Movies Again

Cannes 2024: Christmas Eve in Miller's Point, Eephus, To A Land Unknown

• Tickets & Showtimes
• Trending on RT

Script Review for Ridley Scott's "American Gangster," with Denzel & Russell

The long-gestating "American Gangster" is presently being directed by Ridley Scott , and it stars Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington . Also, there’s a script review online that you can check out if you like.

Click here to visit LatinoReview.com and if you don’t mind reading reviews of screenplays for movies that probably won’t be out for another 8 or 10 months. (I’ll bring you the link, but you can’t make me read the article!)

Written by Steven Zaillian , "American Gangster" tells the story of a 1970s drug kingpin who made millions by smuggling drugs in the coffins of dead American soldiers. Yikes. (Denzel plays the drug lord; Crowe the cop!)

Related News

Ridley Scott and Vanessa Kirby on Working with Joaquin Phoenix in Napoleon

47 Best Denzel Washington Movies Ranked

Know Your Critic: Carolyn Hinds, Freelance Film Critic, Journalist, and Podcaster

How to Watch Godzilla Movies In Order

All Godzilla Movies Ranked by Tomatometer

9 LGBTQIA+ Icons You Didn’t Know Were Critics

Movie & TV News

Featured on rt.

May 31, 2024

200 Best LGBTQ+ Movies of All Time

Top Headlines

• How to Watch Godzilla Movies In Order –
• All Godzilla Movies Ranked by Tomatometer –
• 200 Best LGBTQ+ Movies of All Time –
• Best Movies of 2024: Best New Movies to Watch Now –
• 25 Most Popular TV Shows Right Now: What to Watch on Streaming –
• 30 Most Popular Movies Right Now: What to Watch In Theaters and Streaming –

American Gangster Review

16 Nov 2007

156 minutes

American Gangster

It is interesting (and not coincidental) that Ridley Scott’s latest, American Gangster, is opening in the same month that his third feature, Blade Runner, gets a reissue. There are cosmetic similarities. Both take place in distinctive milieus (Los Angeles 2019; Harlem 1971) dominated by bad fashions. Both involve

a subdued cop on the hunt for a more charismatic villain. But marking the differences in such close proximity is instructive about how Scott’s career has developed. The Scott of The Duellists, Alien and Blade Runner wallowed in atmosphere, mood and backlight (debatably at the expense of story and character), whereas the Scott of American Gangster puts plot ahead of pictorialism, dwells on relationships not cityscapes and gets on with things in almost documentary style. In theory, it should make him a better filmmaker but, while you would never begrudge Scott’s desire to grow or try new things, you can’t help but wish that Gangster would indulge his prodigious visual talents a little more often.

Scott’s first foray into epic crime territory, after the small-scale con of Matchstick Men, is undeniably enjoyable, yet it never really gets to grips with the full potential of the story. The twin yarns of gangster Lucas and cop Roberts are a template for crime thrillers of the past 30 years, but while it boasts performances by two modern greats, it never adds up to a completely satisfying whole.

Part of the problem here is that, from such rich source material, American Gangster doesn’t tell a story. From the get-go, Zaillian’s screenplay gets stuck in a repetitive rut, and very little, be it narrative threads, character arcs or thematic depth, actually develops. Roberts doesn’t do much detecting to get to Lucas; the latter just reveals himself as a kingpin via a fashion faux pas at a boxing match. Scott and Zaillian want to suggest a symmetry between Lucas and Roberts - that both men are outsiders in their own worlds, driven by specific codes of ethics - but struggle to make the comparison compelling. Scott also shortchanges on the true story’s astonishing coda, which would seem ripe for the Hollywood treatment. And worst of all, he can’t actually pin down what the film is about.

Aside from a few new licks - Roberts’ nifty use of a dead perp

to exit an incendiary crime scene; images of scantily clad chicks bagging up drugs, near nude so they can’t stash the dope; Lucas’ ingenious method of transporting the drugs into the US - very little in the movie feels fresh, re-treading scenes, riffs and imagery from the whole history of crime flicks. There’s the minutiae of police drug squad procedure (The French Connection), a police force besieged by cops on the take (the films of Sidney Lumet, especially Serpico) and the gangster as kind family man (The Godfather - Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lucas’ dim brother comes across as a blinged-up Fredo). Even the music sounds second hand (who can hear Across 110th Street and not recall Jackie Brown?), Scott not quite having the affection for tunes of the era to turn up something different.

To his credit, Scott doesn’t OD on the ’70s-ness of Gangster; a throwaway allusion to the new-fangled microwave is about it. Yet all this familiarity doesn’t breed complete contempt. American Gangster’s string of crime movie staples - drive-bys; Mafia meetings (all hail Armand Assante!); cops pinning up pictures of suspects on boards and drinking coffee; wire-wearing snitches - is served up with enough verve to engage. But the film’s strengths unquestionably lie in the double-header of Washington and Crowe. After playing a gladiator, sailor, maths genius and boxer (we’ll skip over A Good Year), it’s good to see Crowe playing something approaching a regular Joe - slightly overweight and struggling to keep his principles when treated as a pariah. That Roberts is the only straight cop in a force full of corruption is a nice role-reversal, and Crowe gives Roberts a gravitas and believability he in all probability didn’t have on the page.

Despite Crowe’s sterling efforts, though, this is Washington’s show. Channelling some of the intensity and aggression he brought to Training Day but tempering it with touches of charm and class, Washington effortlessly stumps up menace, smarts and attitude. In one breathless moment he leaves his brothers in a diner, walks across the street, shoots a rival in the face, and calmly returns to his food. American Gangster is very good at this - little violences, sporadic shootings and ferocious fistfights that end as quickly as they erupt - and Washington delivers it with maximum impact. But you also swallow him as a devoted husband, concerned uncle (his nephew wants to follow his lead into crime) and urbane businessman. There is a fascinating scene in which Lucas berates a rival mobster (Cuba Gooding Jr.) for selling inferior narcotics under the same Blue Magic banner as Lucas’ own heroin: it is surely a sign of the times when a gangster flick features a discussion on the merits of branding.

For a film fuelled by so much testosterone, some of the best moments involve the men being dressed down by women. Lucas’ run in with his proud mother (Ruby Dee) is one of the very few times anyone actually stands up to him. Equally good is Roberts’ courtroom tussle with his ex-wife (Carla Gugino) over custody of their kid, who floors the cop with a terrific character dissection. In some ways, these scenes register stronger than The Obligatory Washington/Crowe Face Off. In a Pacino-De Niro-Heat stylee, the pair have only one scene together - look out for the ways both actors use a coffee cup to subtly delineate who has the upper hand in the conversation - but it doesn’t have the oomph or mythic resonances that the moment requires.

Approaching the edginess that marked Black Hawk Down, Scott splits his style in two; a spare, sparse look for Roberts, mostly grey-grim tones and handheld urgency, and a more colourful, stately approach for Lucas. It’s an apt decision but disheartening. Scott seems to take his visual sense from TV’s The Wire, and there is something disappointing in that unparalleled visual imagination being dulled down to a small-screen aesthetic. Some imaginations are too big to be contained within HBO house style.

Related Articles

Movies | 24 10 2017

Movies | 12 11 2007

Movies | 05 11 2007

Movies | 01 11 2007

Movies | 24 08 2007

Movies | 07 06 2007

Movies | 22 08 2006

Movies | 21 08 2006

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Real-Life Heroes on YouTube for Tweens and Teens

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

American gangster, common sense media reviewers.

Violent, drug-fueled drama isn't for kids.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Gangsters are cruel, cocky, and greedy; cops are e

Several scenes show shooting, fighting, and tense

Prostitutes stroll New York streets. Dancers in a

Much profanity, including nearly 100 uses of "f--k

Coca-Cola, Ford Mustang.

Pervasive drugs (opium, heroin, pills, marijuana,

Parents need to know that this based-on-a-true story drama about a brutal 1970s gangster isn't for kids. He commits extremely violent acts, which are depicted explicitly (often with guns) and accompanied by blood, wounds, and groaning. And since the plot focuses on heroin smuggling and dealing, there are many …

Positive Messages

Gangsters are cruel, cocky, and greedy; cops are earnest and honest to a fault. Their run-ins result in violence and, eventually, collaboration.

Violence & Scariness

Several scenes show shooting, fighting, and tense stand-offs between men wielding large guns. An early scene shows the funeral of gangster's mentor, followed by vows of aggression against rivals. Clips of the Vietnam War appear on background TVs. Cops raid drug locations, with guns drawn and used. A man is thrown down the stairs, with bloody results. Following a shooting, there's blood on the floor and walls. Frank coldly shoots a man on the street (hole in head visible). Flashback shows Frank shooting someone while saying he's a "gentleman." Frank beats a man at a party in his home, then blows up over the blood on his white carpet. Skeet shooting; brief shots of a boxing match.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Prostitutes stroll New York streets. Dancers in a Bangkok bar show cleavage and sexy behavior. Women's naked breasts are visible as they work to process drugs. Brief, rowdy sex scene in a kitchen; a couple of scenes show kissing (Richie with a stewardess). Men appear in bars and clubs with multiple girlfriends and sex workers who show cleavage in tight outfits. Frank and Eva kiss passionately, though the act is mostly covered up by her long hair. Frank is massaged by a woman naked from the waist up.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Much profanity, including nearly 100 uses of "f--k" (some with "mother"), as well as plenty of uses of "s--t," "ass," "damn," and "hell." Also several uses of the "N" word -- sometimes between friends, other times used in a derogatory way.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Drinking, drugs & smoking.

Pervasive drugs (opium, heroin, pills, marijuana, cocaine) and drinking. Nixon appears on TV, denouncing "drug abuse." Drinking in bars (some in Southeast Asia, where the atmosphere is decidedly seedy), at parties, on the streets, and in hotel rooms. Frequent cigarette and cigar smoking (reflecting the 1970s setting). Images of heroin transportation (by sacks and bricks), production, and use; needles shown on tables and in arms (a bloody needle in one shot); cocaine and heroin snorting.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this based-on-a-true story drama about a brutal 1970s gangster isn't for kids. He commits extremely violent acts, which are depicted explicitly (often with guns) and accompanied by blood, wounds, and groaning. And since the plot focuses on heroin smuggling and dealing, there are many shots of junkies and drug use (including needles in arms, cocaine being snorted, and more). Sexual content includes scenes with prostitutes, kissing, bare breasts, and cleavage, and there's plenty of language, including almost 100 uses of "f--k." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (7)
• Kids say (12)

Based on 7 parent reviews

Frank Lucas is the American Gangster.

Morally ambiguous, well-acted and well-directed film with some heavy violence, what's the story.

Based on a true story and set in the mid-70s, AMERICAN GANGSTER centers on NYC heroin kingpin Frank Lucas ( Denzel Washington ) and Richie Roberts ( Russell Crowe ), an upright-to-a-fault detective intent on putting the ruthless gangster behind bars. Frank and Richie's relationship is complicated throughout the film; they're opposite but also linked. Both their self-images are grand: Frank rules NYC's drug underworld, and Richie turns in $1 million worth of drug money rather than keep it for himself. But while Frank surrounds himself with devoted family members, Richie is alone, rejected by his wife ( Carla Gugino ) and his fellow cops, who call him out as a "boy scout." Ambitious and politically astute, Frank sees his success as a representation of black progress. Richie's path is less sensational, more movie-style earnest. He and his hardworking undercover crew discover Frank's business precisely because Richie isn't as racist as his superiors, who don't believe that a black man could outscore the Italian mafia at their own game.

Is It Any Good?

The problem at the center of Ridley Scott 's film is that as much as the movie loves Frank's intelligence and charisma, it must also condemn his brutality and criminality. The movie's solution is typical: It pits Frank against worse villains and puts him on a parallel track with a familiar hero.

Still, as the film scrambles to its end (the last half hour moves very quickly), the two develop a mutual respect. In part, this is a function of Richie's liberal bent. He'll not only arrest a black man, he'll also work with him ... to build cases against a lot of other bad guys. And so they share a sort of moral code after all, premised on their recognition of racial equality. As corny as this relationship may be, it returns again to the movie's central problem: It loves Frank and has to hate him.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about whether the movie glamorizes criminal behavior. How is Frank both villainous and attractive? How does the film compare and contrast him to Richie, who's upright on the job but not a good husband? Families can also discuss the fact that the movie is based on a true story. How accurate do you think it is? Why do filmmakers sometimes tweak the facts when they're making biopics or movies based on actual events?

Movie Details

• In theaters : November 1, 2007
• On DVD or streaming : February 19, 2008
• Cast : Chiwetel Ejiofor , Denzel Washington , Russell Crowe
• Director : Ridley Scott
• Inclusion Information : Black actors
• Studio : Universal Pictures
• Genre : Drama
• Run time : 157 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : violence, pervasive drug conviolence, pervasive drug content and language, nudity and sexuality.
• Last updated : May 23, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

The Godfather

Training Day

The Departed

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Search Reeling Reviews

American gangster.

Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) drives for Harlem’s most powerful criminal kingpin. When his boss suddenly dies, Frank seizes power and begins to build his own crime family by undercutting the Mafia hold on the illicit drug trade. Honest, outcast, streetwise cop, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), notices the change in the drug underworld power structure and it begins a battle between two men of integrity, though on opposite sides of the law, in “American Gangster.”

Laura's Review: B-

Vice squad Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe, "Gladiator," "A Good Year") is an honest Jersey cop working with a corrupt New York City police department circa 1968. His partner, Javy Rivera (John Ortiz, "Miami Vice," "El Cantante"), is nervous about their survival and on the H. The high quality drug marketed as Blue Magic leads Richie to a surprising source, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington, "Training Day," "Inside Man"), a black man more powerful than the Italian mob and a true "American Gangster." The main problem with director Ridley Scott ("Gladiator," "A Good Year") and screenwriter Steven Zaillian's ("Schindler's List," "Gangs of New York") "American Gangster" is that their mobster, Frank Lucas, just isn't that interesting. Except for some cooly ruthless acts of violence and some business smarts which are not elucidated until near the film's end, Lucas is kind of white bread. Here's a guy who goes gunning for a Puerto Rican beauty queen and wins her as a trophy wife, yet, in typical Denzel Washington fashion, never seems to lust for her. At least Russell Crowe gets down and dirty with his divorce attorney. The film plays like "Serpico" by way of "Scarface" if Tony Montana was an accountant. Crowe's Roberts is where the film's interest lies. He is a man whose job has destroyed his family life and whose uncompromising honesty makes him an outsider yet who maintains ties with a childhood friend who is a known Jersey mobster. Chief Toback (Ted Levine, "The Silence of the Lambs") lets him set up his own squad, amusingly done with a sales pitch from John Hawkes ("Me and You and Everyone We Know," HBO's "Deadwood") before they fade away to background, and Roberts tries to figure out just who is selling heroin that's twice as good as any other for half the price. Meanwhile, we've seen Lucas, the driver to a former Harlem mobster, use his mentor's wisdom and fly to Vietnam where he forges a direct deal for pure heroin, cutting out the middleman. (The filmmakers keep his transportation method as a 'surprise' for the film's climax, but I suspect most people remember the details. Lucas would have been far more intriguing if his operation had been spelled out all along.) His wealth established, Lucas then brings his mother (Ruby Dee, "Jungle Fever") and six brothers from North Carolina where he seems to expect they will flourish as big city drug kingpins. Besides the different business fronts the Lucas boys get, there is little to distinguish them and mom is an angelic hypocrite. Back to Roberts who is not only unraveling the Blue Magic mystery but is having to dodge Det. Trupo (Josh Brolin, "Grindhouse," "In the Valley of Elah"), a New York veteran invested in keeping Lucas in business. When Roberts finally prevails (in "Godfather" fashion, the drug bust is intercut with the Lucas family at Sunday services), we learn that when he passed the bar he became a defense attorney whose first client was Lucas! And that the two together exposed the corruption involving 75% of the New York Vice Department! Now that would have been a movie! Crowe turns in another fine performance as blue collar cop Richards, but Washington is too inscrutable. There's just not enough juice for a villainous role and we never really know what drives him. When the two finally face each other after almost two and a half hours run time, one is maybe supposed to feel the enormity of two Oscar winners on screen together for the first time like Pacino and DeNiro in "Heat," and while it is nowhere near that momentous, Crowe finally sparks some fire in his costar. Support is a staggering who's who list of actors, but few make any real impression. Brolin's having quite a year (and is still to be seen in the upcoming "No Country for Old Men") and sinks his teeth into his tough corrupt cop with more bite than Denzel does and Ortiz is sympathetic as Crowe's ill-fated partner, but too many more seem like cameos instead of characters. Cuba Gooding Jr. ("As Good As It Gets," "Daddy Day Camp") doesn't embarrass himself for a change as Nicky Barnes, but I can barely remember what his purpose was. As Lucas's mob contact, Armand Assante ("The Mambo Kings," TV's "Gotti") is slick but not sinister. Female support does not fare much better, although Carla Gugino ("Spy Kids," "The Lookout") is strong as Richie's wife and Melissia Hill makes an imprint as the head of Frank's cutting operation. Lymari Nadal (TV's "Battlestar Galactica") is a blank slate as Frank's trophy wife, though, and Ruby Dee is better than the saintly mother she's saddled with here. "American Gangster" isn't a bad movie, it's mostly a misnamed one, and if ever there's an opportunity to make a sequel that blows away its predecessor, this is it.

Robin's Review: C

Ridley Scott, directing the script by Steve Zaillian (adapted from the Mark Jacobs article, The Return of Superfly), makes ponderous the story about two men - one a cop, the other a criminal – who share a code of ethics. Each story is broadly told, taking a lot of time (the film runs 158 minutes) to show both men’s integrity in the careers they have chosen. Frank runs his crime family (which includes his own family) with a business ethic that brooks no dissension. He goes up against the Mafia to take control of the drug business on his own turf. Frank is destined for a meteoric rise end equally fast fall. Richie is a rare thing in the late 1960’s and early 70’s NYPD – he is an honest cop. His fellow officers put up with his goody good ways – until he turns in a big stash of cash seized in a bust. The cash should have been “misplaced” and quietly distributed to the corrupt members of the police force. Richie's honorable, law-abiding act, though, makes him a pariah to his colleagues. He must work alone in his quest to find the new crime boss, Lucas, and bring him down. That is, until the Feds recruit him, also to get Frank. One word that comes to mind as a descriptor of American Gangster” is wooden. Another is plodding. There is no reason that this straightforward tale of two men on a collision course needs to push the 3-hour envelope. In fact, there is so much extraneous baggage attached to the story – for example, there is an extended musical interlude that can only be there to showcase the period Motown music – the film should have run two hours at most. A big problem is that neither Washington nor Crowe have more than two-dimensional characters. I should have cared, for different reasons, about each but their stories lumber along to an anticipated conclusion that holds no surprise. (Well, there is a bit of a twist in the film’s coda.) Also, a gangster movie of this scope, with dozens of supporting characters, should give us believable people. Just think about “The Godfather” and its long list of unforgettable characters. I forgot most of the supporting character (heck, I almost forgot the stars!) almost before I walked out of the “American Gangster” screening. Techs are very good, especially the first class period production design by Arthur Max. Editing is huge problem, making me wonder, as I watched the film, what Gangster” could have been in the hands of a different editor. The film has the feel of being edited by committee where they cannot come to a consensus on what to cut. Instead, they left way too much in. American Gangster” is a bloated crime tome that meanders far too much before it gets to its point. In addition, I did not care once I got there.

REELING IS A PROUD MEMBER OF…

Laura and Robin's reviews are also featured on Rotten Tomatoes , the Movie Review Query Engine , and the IMDB .

• Reeling’s Top 10 Lists
• All Reviews
• Past Episodes
• Broadcast Schedule

Reeling: The Movie Review Show

has been produced by Robin and Laura Clifford at the Malden, Massachusetts cable access television station, MATV, since March 16, 1991.

• Reviews RSS

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

You review: American Gangster

Face off... Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in American Gangster

A Ridley Scott gangster movie was always going to be a hard sell: a director of Oscar-winning ambition attempting to film a classic crime thriller with epic grandeur, and even having the temerity to name it American Gangster? This movie needed to be better than just good to fulfil the hype and satisfy all the critics muttering "Scorsese" under their breaths.

Our own Peter Bradshaw, for one, is not convinced. "Here's a startlingly original true-life story told in an oddly unoriginal way," he writes . "And that attempt at instant classic status in the title doesn't quite convince. It's got no more dark grandeur than American Idol."

The Evening Standard's Derek Malcolm is of a similar view, stating that Scott is "no Martin Scorsese". But he points out that despite this "he is still a highly visual filmmaker who can tackle a story 'based on truth' with power and skill, especially when he has good actors to help him out".

Kenneth Turan in the LA Times is of the opinion that Scott has manufactured a classy piece. "It takes nerve to call a film American Gangster," he writes. "But once you see this finely made and richly satisfying film, you understand it's the only title possible."

Daniel Cook Johnson of the Film Babble Blog also steps up in Scott's defence. "American Gangster is getting a lot of unfair comparisons to other mob movie classics such as The Godfather, Scarface, and even Blaxploitation touchstone Super Fly," he says. "But these are easy cheap shots. I don't predict any Oscar nominations for this film and it most likely won't make my top ten films of 2007 list but it's well crafted, extremely well acted, and offers lots to sink one's teeth into."

So there you have it: American Gangster is good, but perhaps not great, held back by the nagging feeling that you've seen of all this somewhere before, according to the critics. What about you? Do you agree that the movie pales into insignificance when compared with Scorsese's ouvre? Or are we dealing with a bunch of po-faced film experts out to damn any piece of work which fails to conform to their own ridiculous standards of originality?

• Action and adventure films

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

The Best Gangster Movies Of All Time According To Rotten Tomatoes

Venture with us into the realm of tommy guns, fedoras and Robert De Niro — let's talk about gangster movies! We know that you're all desperate to discover new content, so we're going to make you an offer you can't refuse. Today, we're taking a look at the best gangster movies out there. And you don't have to just believe us, either. We're bringing the power of data with us.

This list isn't just our opinion; it's backed up by the reviews aggregated by Rotten Tomatoes. These films are ranked by their Tomatometer score (which only factors in review scores from approved critics) and then audience score. We think you'll probably be surprised by some of the results. The bar is extremely high — just as a bit of a hint, films had to have at least a 97% Tomatometer score to crack this list.

Sit back, grab a cannoli and don your finest suit — these are the best gangster movies of all time according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Mean Streets

Betcha didn't see this one coming — we're kicking things off with a Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro collaboration. Amazingly, even though this pairing is often the duo that immediately springs to mind in the world of gangster movies, this is their only collaboration that qualified for this list.

Mean Streets is often forgotten when discussing the great gangster films of Martin Scorsese. It's one of his first films, so it definitely has a much rawer feel than some of his later, more polished works. It does feature some impressive performances, especially from De Niro and another frequent collaborator, Harvey Keitel. It also tells a familiar story to many of Scorsese's other works, and is much less subtle with how its characters deal with their criminal behavior when put up against their Catholic faith.

Don't sleep on Mean Streets . Not only is it a great film in its own right, but it's also the place to start if you want to see how Scorsese has evolved as a filmmaker over the years.

Un Prophete (A Prophet)

A lot of movies about organized crime have moments of levity to help break the tension. Un Prophete is not one of them. This is a white-knuckle film about the brutality of prison life and one man's rise from complete nobody to becoming the king of the criminal underworld.

Un Prophete is about a man named Malik who is sent to prison for attacking a group of police. He cannot read or write, and quickly learns to fall in with a gang in order to survive. As he impresses and crosses various power players in the different criminal groups, Malik also begins to hedge his bets to set himself up for success.

Un Prophete works for a lot of reasons: The direction and writing are razor sharp. The pacing never flags. Arguably most importantly, however, the acting is superb. Niels Arestrup turns in a chilling performance as Luciani, but this is a true star turn from lead actor Tahar Rahim. He is simply dynamite in Un Prophete , and you'll want to watch him in anything after seeing him in this.

When people talk about actors in gangster movies, a few names almost always come up — names like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, and Harvey Keitel. James Cagney isn't mentioned as often, at least by younger film fans, but modern gangster movies owe a lot to the man, and  White Heat is a great place to start if you want to understand why.

Cagney plays Cody Jarrett, a psychotic gangster who is overly attached to his mother, Ma Jarrett. Cagney is amazing to watch in this film — he bounces all over the screen, going from zero to one hundred in a split second and keeping the audience (and every character he comes across) on their toes. His supporting cast (especially Margaret Wycherly as Ma and Virginia Mayo as Cody's wife, Verna) are also completely on point and compelling.

White Heat has some serious drama and great action scenes, and the final showdown includes one of the most climactic death scenes ever put to film. Top of the world, indeed.

The Godfather Part II

The Godfather Part II is one of the rare sequels that some say even surpasses the original — quite the tall order, as The Godfather is also considered a masterpiece. Francis Ford Coppola's sequel tells a tale that's infinitely more complex than the original, so make sure you're paying attention.

The Godfather Part II serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the original film, jumping between different time periods as it shows the trials and tribulations in the history of the Corleone family. Michael (Al Pacino) and Vito (Robert De Niro) are the featured characters here, though the cast is a veritable who's who of big names — Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, and Talia Shire are just a few of the other stars who appear.

The Godfather Part II is just incredible across the board. It's a gripping tale full of tension, great action, and amazing performances. It's also beautiful to look at. Set up a double feature with this and the original film (maybe just ignore Part III ) and take it all in.

Scarface (1932)

This probably isn't the Scarface you're thinking of. The Al Pacino-led "Say hello to my little friend!" classic is actually a remake of this film, with some key plot details changed. It's mostly the same movie, but the 1932 Scarface is probably a bit tamer when viewed through modern eyes.

This Scarface tells the story of Tony Camonte, an Italian immigrant who starts taking over more and more of Chicago as his confidence grows. He slowly takes out the competition, betraying allies and friends when it suits him, all the while inspired by a massive neon sign outside his apartment that reads "The World is Yours!" Just as in the Pacino remake, Tony eventually gets in over his head, and a dramatic showdown closes the film.

Scarface boasts an incredible lead performance from Paul Muni, one of the best actors of his era. Keep a lookout for Universal horror stalwart Boris Karloff in a supporting role as well.

The French Connection

The French Connection is an arguably overlooked classic in the gangster movie canon. It focuses more on the detectives than the criminals, but incorporates a lot of the same plot devices and stylistic flourishes you'd expect from the genre. It's also got some amazing performances from its lead actors, and it's a movie any fan of classic mafia movies should check out.

Gene Hackman stars in The French Connection as "Popeye" Jimmy Doyle, a narcotics detective on the trail of a French heroin smuggler named Alain Charnier. Together with his partner Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider), Doyle must infiltrate the seedy criminal underworld and stop Charnier from escaping the country.

The French Connection is intense all the way through — you never know who you can trust, or if Doyle and Russo will come out on top. It's based on a true story, and it absolutely cleaned up at the Oscars the year it was released. It's an incredible film that no one should miss.

The Killing

A Stanley Kubrick-directed heist movie? You know you're in for the goodness with this one. The Killing  absolutely oozes tension — Kubrick is one of the best directors ever at establishing a mood and making you wait in anticipation for the big payoff. The Killing has big set pieces to help build its dynamic, and a relatively short runtime (only 83 minutes) means the plot never slows down.

The Killing is about a gangster named Johnny (Sterling Hayden) trying to pull off one last score: a robbery of the counting room during a massive horse race. He recruits an eclectic team to help him pull off his meticulously planned heist. It's all set up to go off without a hitch, of course — if not for one member telling his wife, who starts hatching a plan of her own.

The Killing is one of Kubrick's earliest films, but you can already see a lot of the director's trademark precision in it. Fans of Quentin Tarantino 's  Reservoir Dogs should check this one out —  Tarantino cites The Killing as a major influence on that film.

The Godfather

There isn't a lot we can say about The Godfather that hasn't already been said. It's widely considered one of the best films of all time , and is seen by some as a turning point for American cinema in general. It has some all-time great performances from some of the biggest actors in history, including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, James Caan, and Robert Duvall. It helped fuel the rise of director Francis Ford Coppola as part of the new Hollywood elite. The Godfather is, quite simply, one of the most important films ever made.

If you don't know the story, The Godfather is based on a book of the same name by Mario Puzo. Puzo's characters and events are all fictional, but he based the story of the Corleone family, one of the most powerful mafia families in post- World War II New York, on real mafia crime families, and it isn't hard to identify his real-life influences.

If you haven't seen it, you should. If you have seen it, you should probably watch it again. Pair it with Part II for a great double feature.

Chinatown isn't 100% a "gangster" movie; however, this neo-noir classic touches on enough similar areas to count. It's got arguably the best performance of Jack Nicholson's storied career, awesome supporting work from acting greats like Faye Dunaway and John Huston, and some of the best cinematography you'll ever see.

This is one of those classic noir movies where you simply have no idea who or what you can trust, even after it's all over. Everyone in Chinatown is self-serving, pulling strings and manipulating events (and the audience) for their own gain. It tells the story of the struggle for California water rights, as various political and labor organizations work in the shadows for the power (and money) to control the state's reservoirs. Nicholson plays a private detective who is pulled into the struggle by a femme fatale who is not exactly who she says she is.

Chinatown has a lot of twists and turns, and to say much more might give too much away. It's got one of the all-time great closing lines in cinema, and the mystery is unraveled bit by bit — just enough to keep you guessing until the dramatic, final reveal.

The Public Enemy

We're getting into some seriously elite company here: the vaunted "100% fresh" Tomatometer rating. The Public Enemy might be a little hard for modern audiences — it's almost a century old at this point, so a lot of the acting and filmmaking techniques might seem a bit dated. That said, it's really astounding to watch a movie of this vintage and see just how much influence modern gangster films draw from it.

The Public Enemy stars James Cagney as a Prohibition-era gangster named Tom Powers. The film gradually shows the events in Tom's life that push him towards the world of organized crime — bad luck, bad choices and bad influences all conspire to lure him down the path. Cagney totally carries the film: despite the warnings in both the prologue and epilogue, you can't help but be drawn in and captivated by his performance. He's intense, compelling, and oddly sympathetic, despite the fact that he's a despicable human being.

The Public Enemy is a gangster classic. Grab yourself a grapefruit and give it a whirl.

The Friends of Eddie Coyle

Another film with a 100% Tomatometer rating, The Friends of Eddie Coyle  showcases one of the most underrated actors in history: Robert Mitchum. Few actors of Mitchum's era had his type of screen presence, yet he's only really remembered for a few films, like Night of the Hunter and the original Cape Fear . One of Mitchum's best films,  The Friends of Eddie Coyle  focuses on the sorrow and fear of the criminal underworld rather than glamorizing it.

Mitchum stars as the title character, a low-level gunrunner facing a heavy prison sentence. He realizes that the only way to avoid spending his final years in prison is to become an informant, but he tries to keep up his criminal lifestyle as well. Soon, every side is out to get him, and he slowly learns that he can't trust anyone.

The Friends of Eddie Coyle isn't uplifting, and it doesn't have that glitz and glamor about "the lifestyle" that a lot of movies about organized crime portray. Mitchum does an incredible job as the everyman caught in the wheels of the machine, and you can't help but be captivated by the tragedy of his character.

Angels with Dirty Faces

Here you have it, folks — Angels with Dirty Faces , the highest-rated gangster movie on all of Rotten Tomatoes. It's another James Cagney flick, and probably the most famous of the actor's classic gangster films. It also touches on some of the main themes that are explored in most modern gangster movies — should these bad men have our sympathy, and do they have a chance at redemption?

Cagney stars as Rocky Sullivan, who is sent to reform school as a child after stealing from a train with his friend Jerry. Jerry is not caught, and eventually becomes a Catholic priest. Rocky, however, continues down the path toward organized crime, and is eventually sent to prison.

When Rocky gets out, he attempts to claim his share of the last big heist he pulled, but his former partner declares war on him. Rocky recruits a gang of misguided youths, while Jerry tries to keep those kids from following in Rocky's footsteps. There are so many betrayals in this movie, and you're never sure who is going to come out on the winning side — or what that winning side will ultimately look like.

Screen Rant

The 10 best gangster movies ever made, according to rotten tomatoes.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Upcoming Murder Mystery Movie Unexpectedly Rivals Knives Out 3's Impressive Cast

The movie series that was supposed to replace the hunger games is now on netflix, 8 harsh realities of rewatching the mighty morphin power rangers movie almost 30 years later.

Men who love crime. We hate them in real life but we love them in films. There's something about on-screen gangsters that appeal to movie lovers. Sadly, most of these gangsters existed in the real world and they caused plenty of havoc. But we aren't here to play judge, jury, and executioner. We are just here to enjoy movies.

RELATED:  The 5 Most Historically Accurate (And 5 Most Inaccurate) Gangster Movies Ever Made

Plenty of gangster movies have been made over the last century. Plenty of them have been good but sadly not all of them were perfectly made. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the following films are as close to perfection as it gets. Honorable mentions go to the likes of The Departed and Bugsy  for narrowly missing out.

Pulp Fiction (1994) - 93%

Pulp Fiction  has many iconic moments, the most popular one being John Travolta's dance scene. He could have easily won Dancing With The Stars with those moves. In fact, the scene was so good that Quentin Tarantino recreated it in his most recent film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood . Sorry, Di Caprio, you tried, but Travolta's dance remains the best.

The Travolta of the '90s was untouchable. With his performance in this film, he got a Best Actor nomination at the 1995 Academy Awards. Samuel L. Jackson also proved to the world that he was a gifted actor who should be taken very seriously. Everyone has adored Nick Fury ever since. You are amazing Nick. Sorry. We mean Sam. You are amazing Sam.

The Long Good Friday (1982) - 96%

In The Long Good Friday , Harold Shand is riding high as London's top gangster. He fully controls the docks through which most illegal shipments enter the country. He also owns a yacht and resides in a beautiful penthouse with his mistress.

However, one Easter weekend, his fortune takes a hit when both his Rolls Royce and his pub get bombed. A bomb is also found in his casino before it blows up. Shand is thus left in a dilemma because his empire is now in shambles, his life is in danger and members of an American crime family are also coming to town to discuss a business deal with him.

Goodfellas (1990) - 96%

With quotes such as Joe Pesci's "What do you mean I'm funny? I'm funny how? Do I amuse you? I am I a clown to you?" it's no surprise that this film ranks highly. Based on Wiseguy , the best-selling novel by Nicolas Pileggi, Goodfellas tells the story of mobster and eventual FBI informant aka 'rat' Henry Hill (Ray Liotta). In fact, the movie almost went by the name Wiseguys before it was eventually changed to Goodfellas . Great choice.

RELATED:  10 Gangster Movies You Need To Watch That Aren't By Martin Scorsese

In Goodfellas , Hill is a half-Irish and half-Sicilian New York youngster who idolizes the criminals in his neighborhood known as the wise guys. He begins doing errands for them and eventually gets their trust. Together with his friend Tommy (Joe Pesci), he quickly rises up the ranks. However, he quickly learns that like other Irish-Italians before him, including Jimmy (Robert DeNiro), he can never become one of the top guys.

A Prophet (2009) - 97%

Hollywood movies tend to get the most press but outside the US, there tend to be other movies that are equally as compelling. Take A Prophet (Un Prophete) for example. With a solid 97% score, it beats all of Tarantino's films. Where are the Oscars?

A Prophet traces the life of Malik El Djebena, a 19-year-old man who is sentenced to 30 years in prison and cannot read or write. As a younger convict, he is bullied by a gang leader. However, the gang leader begins to like him, given the way he efficiently handles tasks. He quickly becomes influential behind bars while also cooking up his own devious plans.

Mean Streets (97%) - 1973

It looks like we might have a case of one smart kid taking all the top spots. Another Martin Scorsese movie ranks highly in the gangsters' corner on Rotten Tomatoes. De Niro was here too. My God! These two love each other too much.

Mean Streets follows Charlie, a young man who wants to be a respectable and feared gangster just like his favorite uncle. In as much as he wants to strengthen his position in the underworld and move out of his impoverished neighborhood with his girlfriend, things end up becoming a little more complicated than he thought.

White Heat (1949) - 97%

Widely regarded as one of the best gangster movies of all time, White Heat has inspired many other movies. The United States Library of Congress added it to the National Film Registry in 2003, labeling it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

RELATED: 10 Great Gangster Movies To Watch If You Love The Sopranos

White Heat is about a mobster who happens to be a mommy's boy. Despite being married to a beautiful woman named Verna, Cody, the psychotic leader of the Jarrett gang, remains too attached to his mother. In fact, his last words before he is killed are "Made it, Mum! Top of the world!" Goodness!

The French Connection (1971) - 98%

The 70s were the years during which gangster flicks scooped all the awards. The French Connection won five Oscars, including Best Actor for Gene Hackman, Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film is based on Robin Moore's novel of the same name. So, what's it about?

Narcotics are streaming into New York City in large volumes, so two police detectives Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle and Buddy Russo set themselves on a mission to track down the source. It turns out that French drug Kingpin Suave Alain Charnier is the supplier. But with a wide network of associates and a ruthless right-hand man like Pierre Nicoli, taking him down proves to be very difficult.

The Godfather (1972) - 98%

Before he disappeared into oblivion and later resurfaced to call Marvel movies despicable, Francis Ford Copolla made amazing movies like this. The Godfather is easily the best gangster movie of the New Hollywood Era. It simply has no competition. Everything about it from the cinematography to the acting was perfect.

Even though Marlon Brando used a weird accent, like a piece of steak was stuck in his throat, his performance as Don Vito Corleone remains legendary. Al Pacino's performance as Michael Corleone also remains his best to date. *spoilers* The scene where he murders Virgil "The Turk" Solozzo for shooting his father remains one of the best moments in the history of cinema.

The Public Enemy (1934) - 100%

Forget the Michael Mann film starring Johnny Depp as Great Depression Era gangster John Dillinger. There was another film sharing a similar name, only in the singular form. And it was better, much better. Critics unanimously agreed that it didn't have a single flaw.

RELATED:  Johnny Depp's Weirdest Characters, Ranked

The Public Enem y tells the story of another Prohibition Era gangster called Tom Powers. The movie begins by showing how Tom's environment corrupted him a child. He had access to a beer hall, pool, and plenty of bad friends As he degenerates into a ruthless lowlife, his mother still believes that he is a good boy. She only discovers who he really is when he has become a proper gangster who is too grown to be corrected.

Angels With Dirty Faces (1938) - 100%

This is the movie that inspired the fake gangster film-inside-film that Kevin McCallister used to scare gangsters in Home Alone . In the popular comedy, Kevin uses the dialogue of a film called Angels With Filthy Souls to scare the Wet Bandits. Many thought it was not a real film but it was specifically made for that movie.

In Angels With Dirty Faces , two young pals called Rocky and Jerry commit a robbery. Jerry manages to escape but Rocky gets captured. As punishment, Rocky gets sent to a reform school. Jerry changes his ways and becomes a preacher when he grows up. However, Rocky ends up becoming a proper criminal. When fate brings the two former friends together, their worlds are turned upside down.

NEXT:  The 10 Worst Gangster Movies Ever Made, According To Rotten Tomatoes

• rotten tomatoes

American Gangster Review

Last week my friend and I saw American Gangster . The only positive thing I can say about the experience is that the acting was superb.

I honestly felt like the movie was four or five hours long. It just drug out every detail to degrees I just didn’t care about. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve often enjoyed longer movies. This one just makes you want to take a nap during most scenes.

With Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe as the two main characters you’d think the writers could be bothered to do something special with them. It just didn’t happen.

There was nothing original in the story at all. The only revelation is that it claims to be a true story and I had no idea about that going in. Perhaps that’s why there’s nothing new in it.

Frankly I’m surprised that it rated into the 70’s on Rotten Tomatoes . Any reviewer that recommended this snooze-fest should be viewed with skepticism from here on out. I suspect most of the positive reviews came from the elitist reviewers who fancy themselves as students of the art of filmmaking and not a student of understanding the market.

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1

Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west. Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west. Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west.

• Kevin Costner
• Sienna Miller
• 6 User reviews
• 18 Critic reviews
• 51 Metascore

• Hayes Ellison

• Frances Kittredge

• Diamond Kittredge

• Owen Kittredge

• Hugh Proctor

• Caleb Sykes

• First Lt. Trent Gephardt

• Walter Childs

• Sgt. Major Riordan

• Roland Bailey

• Matthew Van Weyden

• Colonel Houghton
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

The Big List of Summer Movies

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia Kevin Costner 's first directorial effort since Open Range (2003) .
• Connections Featured in The Project: Episode dated 21 May 2024 (2024)

User reviews 6

• May 23, 2024

The 2024 Festival Films You Need to Know

• When will Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 be released? Powered by Alexa
• June 28, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Horizon: An American Saga
• New Line Cinema
• Territory Pictures Entertainment
• Warner Bros.
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $100,000,000 (estimated)

Technical specs

• Runtime 3 hours 1 minute
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Atmos

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed.

This Brutal Gangster Classic With 100% on Rotten Tomatoes Changed the Genre Forever

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

The Big Picture

• The Public Enemy shaped the gangster genre, inspiring modern classics like The Godfather and The Sopranos .
• The film's unflinching violence was a hallmark of pre-Code Hollywood, depicting crime with raw authenticity.
• Martin Scorsese drew inspiration from The Public Enemy , cementing its legacy in cinema.

Nearly 100 years since its release, The Public Enemy 's influence reigns supreme over modern cinema. The classic Pre-Code gangster film was a groundbreaking advancement of the film medium that paved the way for its genre. Produced by Warner Bros. and starring the seminal Hollywood tough guy James Cagney , The Public Enemy is a totemic image of the gangster genre. Without it, modern audiences would have been deprived of titanic figures in the crime genre , including the films of Martin Scorsese and The Sopranos . The 1931 film, directed by old Hollywood staple, William A. Wellman , showed that crime wasn't pretty, and any attempts to sanitize the criminal underworld are a disservice to reality and audience expectations. Critically lauded back then and today, it was also the first film to recognize that, deep down, despite our moral compass, we all romanticize gangsters.

The Public Enemy

An Irish-American street punk tries to make it big in the world of organized crime.

Pre-Code Hollywood Depicted Sex and Violence on the Big Screen

The Public Enemy follows Tom Powers (Cagney), a low-level petty thief who rises to the top of the bootlegging underworld in Prohibition-era Chicago along with his partner-in-crime, Matt Doyle ( Edward Woods ). Tom's brother, Mike ( Donald Cook ), is an upstanding citizen and WWI veteran who denounces his brother's illicit lifestyle. Tom engages in two romantic relationships: one with Kitty ( Mae Clarke ), and the other with Gwen Allen ( Jean Harlow ). In a brisk 83 minutes, The Public Enemy distills the gangster genre with distinct clarity. Currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film's pristine, tight-as-a-drum narrative mirrors the dynamic arc of an aspiring gangster. With just one break, Tom Powers is at the top. Instantaneously, within seemingly no time, Tom finds himself gunned down and in a hospital bed.

The film, with its unflinching violence and a narrative told through the eyes of an antihero, could only have existed during Hollywood's pre-Code era. During this era, beginning with the advent of sound in film in the late 1920s and ending with the enforcement of the Hays Code in 1934, studio pictures routinely featured violence, mild profanity, sexual innuendos, promiscuity, and infidelity. While this period was best known for its female liberation, signified by sex-positive films such as Baby Face and Red-Headed Woman , Pre-Code Hollywood helped create the iconography of the classic gangster. Amid Prohibition and the reign of Al Capone , Hollywood capitalized on the notoriety by portraying gangsters as modern-day Western cowboys in films such as Little Caesar , Scarface , and The Public Enemy . The two faces of Pre-Code gangster films, Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney, were shockingly depicted as noble Robin Hood-like figures — something Hollywood would modify following the adoption of the Hays Code by insisting that crime never pays.

'The Public Enemy' Established the Modern Gangster Film

Cagney's Capone-inspired Tom Powers is the quintessential Pre-Code gangster. He starts from nothing, but he quickly attains power and starts a turf war between a rival gang. He is charismatic, proud of his wealth, and defies authority. Every iconic mobster performance in its wake, including Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro as Vito Corleone in The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II , and Al Pacino as Tony Montana in the Scarface remake , is indebted to Cagney, who balances the romanticism and sheer menace of organized crime. The verisimilitude of his performance complements Wellman's hard-boiled direction. The Public Enemy doesn't just restrict the violence between fellow mobsters, as perhaps the most iconic and studied scene in the film is in domestic life. Demanding a drink, Tom verbally attacks Kitty at the table. Suddenly, after she makes a dismissive remark, Tom gets up and stuffs a grapefruit in her face. The sequence, an unglamorous display of domestic violence, was believed to be improvised. In reality, the scene was coordinated by Cagney and Mae Clarke as a practical joke. Not in the original script, Wellman decided to leave the grapefruit scene in the final cut.

Rather than their depiction of sex and violence, pre-Code Hollywood films were more provocative for the ideas they expressed . In the early '30s, it was radical to depict a woman with personal autonomy who worked her way up the corporate ladder while refusing to be monogamous. Running concurrently with the era's feminist liberation is the depiction of gangsters as noble outlaws in the context of American ideology. The overarching dramatic theme of the film is the divide between Tom and his brother, Mike, who rejects his brother's blood money. Before going off to fight in World War I, Mike tries to convince Tom to escape his life of crime, but by the time he returns home, Tom has evolved from a petty thief to a premier bootlegger. Rather than glorify Mike, the former Marine, the film identifies Tom as a noble go-getter. He's not blinded by patriotism like his brother, but rather, he stays home to participate in American capitalism. The adage "crime doesn't pay" is nowhere to be found in The Public Enemy , as Tom creates a prosperous criminal enterprise as a bootlegger. Similar to Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) speech about the thin line between politicians and gangsters in The Godfather , Tom argues that Mike, who killed Germans overseas in WWI, is a hypocrite, claiming he has no right to take the moral high ground over his gangster brother.

One of Robert De Niro’s Greatest Gangster Films Is Also His Most Personal

"You just have to accept people for what they are."

How 'The Public Enemy' Inspired Martin Scorsese and 'The Sopranos'

Growing up in the neighborhood of Manhattan, Little Italy, the criminal underworld was part of the ecosystem surrounding Martin Scorsese, which gave his iconic gangster films Mean Streets and Goodfellas a personal touch. Scorsese, the ultimate cinephile, still used inspiration from classic gangster pictures when directing Goodfellas , now considered the definitive portrayal of the mafia. Citing it as the first gangster film he ever saw, Scorsese admired the "truthfulness" of The Public Enemy . He rejects the notion that Wellman's direction is "crude," and instead, celebrates its candor in expressing the plight of blue-collar Americans and how a desire to make ends meet through illicit means "goes out of control." Goodfellas is celebrated for its ability to portray its subjects as likable people you'd want to hang around with. While many viewers implore Scorsese to explicitly condemn his characters' actions, depicting violent criminals as affable people is a comment on the romanticism of organized crime in society. The Public Enemy highlights the luxuries of crime and an untapped insight into America , allowing the audience to become transfixed by the mob.

If Goodfellas defined organized crime on the big screen, The Sopranos redefined it for the 21st century on cable. Compared to the clear lineage from The Public Enemy to Scorsese's film, the series envisioned a different kind of mobster, one whose neurosis was as much of a danger to him as rival gangsters or the FBI. Tony Soprano ( James Gandolfini ) with his depressive worldview and troubled upbringing at the hands of his domineering mother, Livia ( Nancy Marchand ), stripped away the fun and glamor of being a wise guy . Even with this postmodern take on the genre, The Sopranos paid tribute to the classics , and Tony himself was fond of the old films usually played on Turner Classic Movies. In the book, The Sopranos Sessions , showrunner David Chase cited The Public Enemy as an early influence.

In Season 3, Episode 2, "Proshai, Livushka," Tony intermittently watches The Public Enemy on TV. The episode centers around the death of Livia and her wake. At the end of the episode, Tony watches the scene when Tom's mother prepares for her son's return home from the hospital. However, Tom never returns home, as he is killed by a rival gang. Tony is brought to tears at the sight of an affectionate mother caring for her gangster son , something he never experienced. At first, Tony watches the film with glee, as Cagney and classic gangster films evoke an era of "strong, silent types" that he frequently bemoans the loss of in contemporary society. After a night of grieving over his complicated mother, this film, a source of comfort food, takes a melancholic turn. Deep down, he's not jealous that he couldn't live in Cagney's time that disregarded mental health and therapy. He's jealous that he didn't have a loving mother.

Don't dismiss The Public Enemy due to its age. If you watch it, you'll realize how much of the gangster genre cribs from the classic James Cagney film. You don't have to be an aficionado of the genre to admire the William Wellman film, as its lurid energy and vibrant portrait of crime represent the power of Pre-Code cinema. The best gangster films and shows, The Godfather , Goodfellas , and The Sopranos , present an intoxicating world of crime and mischief. Whether we want to admit it or not, The Public Enemy recognized that we all valorize the lives of gangsters.

The Public Enemy is available to rent on Prime Video in the U.S.

Rent on Prime Video

• Movie Features

15 Best Chris Hemsworth Movies, Ranked According to Rotten Tomatoes

One of the most recognized and significant movie stars of the 21st century, Chris Hemsworth has cemented himself in the annals of cinematic immortality with his brilliant portrayal of Thor Odinson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe alone. However, his wider filmography, consisting of everything from biographical dramas to stylized crime thrillers, horror-comedies, and, of course, record-breaking superhero blockbusters, has featured the Australian actor at his entertaining and surprisingly versatile best.

Capable of handling dramatic depths while also having a natural talent for comedy, Hemsworth has been able to lend his talents to a range of pictures while playing many different roles , from dashing and roguish heroes to diabolical and dastardly villains. Using Rotten Tomatoes' critics adjudged aggregate scores, the Tomatometer, as a metric, these are Chris Hemsworth's best films across his career thus far.

'Thor: Love and Thunder' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes score: 63%.

Thor: Love and Thunder , directed by Taika Waititi , is the latest MCU movie focused on the Norse god Thor (Chris Hemsworth), this time following his experiences as he searches for inner peace amidst the chaos of the universe. This journey is abruptly halted by the arrival of Gorr the God Butcher ( Christian Bale ), who is determined to exterminate all gods. To confront this formidable enemy, Thor teams up with Valkyrie ( Tessa Thompson ), Korg (Waititi), and his former flame Jane Foster ( Natalie Portman ), who has taken up Mjolnir and transformed into the Mighty Thor.

Their adventure highlights the formulaic combination fans have come to expect from the franchise, with the film packed with humor, heart, and spectacular battles – Waititi's quirky charm adds a layer of something new all throughout. Chris Hemsworth's charismatic portrayal of his iconic character is both introspective and humorous, though many argue this was not enough to elevate the film beyond being typical superhero fare.

Thor: Love and Thunder

Release Date July 8, 2022

Director Taika Waititi

Cast Tessa Thompson, Karen Gillan, Chris Pratt2, Russell Crowe, Chris Hemsworth, Taika Waititi, Christian Bale, Natalie Portman

Rating PG-13

Runtime 2hr 13min

Genres Superhero, Action, Adventure, Fantasy

'Thor: The Dark World' (2013)

Rotten tomatoes score: 67%.

An ambitious follow-up to a strong first outing, Thor: The Dark World introduces the ancient Dark Elves, led by the vengeful Malekith ( Christopher Eccleston ), who seeks to harness the power of the Aether and plunge the universe into eternal darkness. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) accidentally becomes the Aether's host, prompting Thor to whisk her away to Asgard for protection. With the cosmos hanging in the balance, Thor must team up with his cunning brother Loki ( Tom Hiddleston ) to thwart Malekith's apocalyptic plans.

Thor: The Dark World received mixed reviews but earned praise for its visual effects and action sequences. Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor stands out, with his ability to blend the character's godly bravado with a grounded, human vulnerability making him easy to root for. Plus, his chemistry with Tom Hiddleston continues to be a highlight, with their dynamic being a source of humor and entertainment in what is overall a forgettable movie.

Thor: The Dark World

Release Date November 8, 2013

Director Alan Taylor

Cast Christopher Eccleston, Jaimie Alexander, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman

Runtime 112 minutes

'Extraction' (2020)

Standing as one of Netflix's most striking and successful original releases , Extraction is an action-packed, adrenaline-pumping spectacle that sees Hemsworth bolster his action-hero credentials as the ruthless black market mercenary, Tyler Rake. The film follows him as he accepts an assignment to rescue the son of an Indian crime lord who has been kidnapped, but the job throws up several unexpected issues as international weapons dealers and drug traffickers become embroiled in the crime.

Defined by its technical excellence, the action thriller flaunts captivating and brutal fight scenes, gripping chase sequences, and plenty of explosions to be a pure, heart-racing hit for lovers of the genre. While some critics took issue with the movie for its weak character moments and, at times, jumbled intentions, the solid 67% score on the Tomatometer is a testament to its action punch and Hemsworth's impressive starring performance .

Release Date April 24, 2020

Director Sam Hargrave

Cast David Harbour, Golshifteh Farahani, Chris Hemsworth, Derek Luke

Runtime 116 minutes

Genres Thriller, Action

'Bad Times at the El Royale' (2018)

Rotten tomatoes score: 75%.

Stylistically rich with an enthralling narrative of greed, violence, and honor among thieves that functions as an engrossing and entrancing thriller, Bad Times at the El Royale is pure popcorn fun with an ensemble cast and plenty of heart-pounding suspense to boot. Set in 1969, it follows seven sketchy strangers who arrive at the once great El Royale hotel. Over the course of one fateful night, their secrets spill out as they each try to outwit everyone else while navigating towards a brighter future.

Director Drew Goddard puts forth a feast for the sense, with the film’s enrapturing visual display beautifully complemented by a stellar soundtrack and some outstanding performances. Lingering as the ominous big bad for much of the film, Hemsworth’s criminally underrated Billy Lee arrives to dominate the final act, with the actor thriving in a far darker role than usual .

Bad Times at the El Royale

Release Date October 4, 2018

Director Drew Goddard

Cast Katharine Isabelle, Jeff Bridges, Chris Hemsworth, Nick Offerman, Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson

Runtime 141

Genres Drama, Comedy

'Avengers: Age of Ultron' (2015)

Rotten tomatoes score: 76%.

While it may be the least popular of the four Avengers movies , Avengers: Age of Ultron still qualifies as a monumental box office success and a rollicking action blockbuster that is underrated as a pivotal point in the larger narrative of the MCU. The major crossover film sees the titular superhero team having to unite when Tony Stark's ( Robert Downey Jr. ) efforts to protect the world lead to a robotic evil seeking to destroy all humanity. All the while, the group must face new threats in the form of the Maximoff siblings.

Thor's role is perhaps less prominent in Age of Ultron than it was in prior MCU installments that he appeared in, a trend which carried on in the franchise for some time, but Hemsworth still finds plenty of moments to make his own with his brilliant knack for comedy and his portrayal of Thor's inner turmoil . The film itself was widely regarded to be a serviceable action blockbuster, though some critics highlighted that formulaic storytelling was beginning to show in the MCU.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Release Date May 1, 2015

Director Joss Whedon

Cast Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans

Runtime 141 minutes

Genres Superhero, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

'Thor' (2011)

Rotten tomatoes score: 77%.

Undoubtedly the most pivotal film in Chris Hemsworth's career, Thor served as his major breakout into superstardom while also launching Tim Hiddleston 's career on a similar trajectory. The origin movie follows the Norse God of Thunder as he is exiled from Asgard by his father, Odin ( Anthony Hopkins ), for defying his orders and re-igniting a war that had long been resolved. Forced to live as a mortal on Earth, Thor struggles to prove he is worthy of wielding Mjölnir and reclaiming his godly powers until an enemy known as the Destroyer jeopardizes the planet after being sent by the deceptive Loki (Hiddleston) to kill Thor.

Realizing its vast scope and its mythological allure with striking drama and plenty of comedic zest, Thor is an underrated triumph of the MCU that helped kick-start the franchise's immense success to come. Even upon reflection, it stands tall as an exciting and sweeping, yet intelligently contained action adventure that brilliantly humanizes the immensely powerful Thor while still presenting a clear and unambiguous portrayal of the almighty Norse God.

Release Date May 6, 2011

Director Kenneth Branagh

Cast Stellan Skarsgrd, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Kat Dennings, Idris Elba, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman

Runtime 115 minutes

Genres Superhero, Action, Fantasy

'Extraction 2' (2023)

Bolder, bigger, and better than its predecessor, Extraction 2 manages to soar from the platform set by the original 2020 thriller to be one of the best and most sincere examples of over-the-top action fun released in recent years. While he has retired from mercenary work, Tyler Rake reluctantly agrees to one more job when he learns that the sister of his ex-wife and her kids have been locked in a violent prison with her husband, a ruthless gangster who rules over the Georgian underworld with an iron fist.

With chaos and carnage aplenty as Rake battles to save his extended family from the murderous gang, Extraction 2 has higher stakes than its predecessor to be a riveting and engulfing action thriller. Admittedly, its story isn't terrifically complex nor are its characters completely mystifying, but its breathtaking action sequences and combat set pieces are sure to have an effect on viewers, as evinced by its strong 79% score on Rotten Tomatoes. More Extraction movies appear to be on the way as well.

Extraction 2

Release Date June 16, 2023

Cast Sinead Phelps, Daniel Bernhardt, Golshifteh Farahani, Chris Hemsworth

Runtime 122 minutes

'Avengers: Infinity War' (2018)

Rotten tomatoes score: 85%.

Marking ten years since Iron Man saw the MCU get off to a flying start, Avengers: Infinity War burst onto the scene as one of the most hyped up releases in cinematic history, a hysteria it more than earned as one of the best and most rewatchable Marvel movies . Wasting no time in establishing its story, it picks up immediately where Thor: Ragnarok concluded, with Thanos ( Josh Brolin ) dismantling the Asgardian refugees before setting his sights on Earth and humanity as he traverses the universe looking for the infinity stones.

As the Avengers, scattered and still reeling from the events of Captain America: Civil War , muster what strength they can to oppose Thanos, Thor arises as Earth's mightiest and most powerful savior. In addition to having possibly the best moment in the franchise when Thor arrives on Earth, Hemsworth is also given more opportunity to command the screen with both his natural comedic strengths, but also his portrayal of the overbearing grief that Thor is experiencing . Sealed with a shocking cliffhanger, Infinity War remains one of the greatest superhero movies ever made and an enduring glory for the MCU.

Avengers: Infinity War

Release Date April 27, 2018

Director Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Cast Josh Brolin, Zoe Saldana, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Elizabeth Olsen, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Danai Gurira, Paul Bettany, Scarlett Johansson, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Holland, Letitia Wright, Chris Evans, Chris Pratt

Runtime 149 minutes

Genres Drama, Superhero, Comedy, Action

'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' (2024)

Rotten tomatoes score: 86%.

The long-awaited successor to the barnstorming action sensation that was 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road , Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga serves as a prequel film that focuses on Furiosa’s ( Anya Taylor-Joy ) journey that led her to Immortan Joe ( Tom Burke ). After being snatched from her home, the Green Place of Many Mothers, Furiosa finds herself entangled with a biker gang, led by Dementus (Hemsworth), which is soon at war with Immortan Joe and his war boys.

While it flaunts the same feverish and frenzied appetite for action as Fury Road , stacked with stunning stunt choreography and explosive set pieces, Furiosa also strives to have more of an emotional core to it as well. The end result is an awe-inspiring spectacle that enriches its predecessor. It also casually features Chris Hemsworth as one of the greatest and most infectious action villains of recent times , marking what is sure to be a much-enjoyed highlight of his stellar career.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Release Date May 24, 2024

Director George Miller

Cast Alyla Browne, Lachy Hulme, Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Burke, Nathan Jones, Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Webber, Angus Sampson

Genres Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Watch in Cinemas

'Rush' (2013)

Rotten tomatoes score: 89%.

A decisive shift away from the action hero roles he established himself in, Rush is a biographical sporting drama that sees Hemsworth co-star alongside Daniel Brühl to bring one of Formula 1's greatest rivalries to the screen. He portrays English champion James Hunt , a renowned playboy aggressive driver who, in the 1976 season, vies for the World Championship against Niki Lauda (Brühl), an Austrian-born legend of the sport who races for Scuderia Ferrari.

Depicting Lauda's infamous and horrific crash at the Nürburgring, the film explores both Lauda's struggle to recover from his burns and the guilt that Hunt experiences for pushing for the race to go ahead even in poor conditions. Praised for its incredible racing sequences and the stellar performances from the main duo , Rush is one of the best sporting dramas of the 21st century, and offers one of the best dramatic turns from Chris Hemsworth to date.

Release Date September 27, 2013

Director Ron Howard

Cast Pierfrancesco Favino, Daniel Brhl, Alexandra Maria Lara, Olivia Wilde, Chris Hemsworth

Runtime 123 Minutes

Genres Biography, Drama, Action, Sport

'The Avengers' (2012)

Rotten tomatoes score: 91%.

The Avengers is Marvel's first foray into what would become cinematic gospel for superhero team-ups . Thor, Captain America ( Chris Evans ), Black Widow ( Scarlett Johansson ), Iron Man, Hawkeye ( Jeremy Renner ), and Hulk ( Mark Ruffalo ) band together to stop Loki from conquering Earth. Assembled by Nick Fury ( Samuel L. Jackson ) as a task force designed to protect the world from catastrophic threats, the Avengers must put aside their differences in order to fight off an alien invasion.

Hemsworth plays as vital a role as the other members of the original six, bringing not only otherworldly power to the table but also the villain responsible for the heroes' alliance. Thor scratches the surface of his complicated relationship with Loki in this film, while also establishing and developing the foundations of family the Avengers find in each other as the MCU grows. The start of an era, The Avengers is not only one of Hemsworth's best works, but one of Marvel's as well .

The Avengers

Release Date May 4, 2012

Cast Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans

Runtime 143 minutes

Genres Superhero, Action

'The Cabin in the Woods' (2011)

Rotten tomatoes score: 92%.

A cult classic horror comedy that excels as both a parody of teen horror movies and a genuinely intriguing spin on the horror genre in earnest, The Cabin in the Woods is adored by both horror aficionados and casual genre fans alike. Running with a formulaic premise, it follows five college friends who travel to a remote cabin to enjoy a little getaway only to find themselves being hunted by vicious monsters. However, while they fight to survive, two scientists manipulate the nightmare going on around them.

While he wasn't quite a global star at the time, Hemsworth occupies the leading role of the film with aplomb, portraying the stereotypical horror hero jock with a self-aware bite that perfectly complements the movie's humorous tone and genre-mixing appeal. The Cabin in the Woods has come to be viewed as one of the best and most intriguing horror films of this century so far with its ambitious narrative and its intriguing exploration of genre tropes.

The Cabin in the Woods

Release Date April 13, 2012

Cast Fran Kranz, Chris Hemsworth, Richard Jenkins, Kristen Connolly, Jesse Williams, Anna Hutchison

Runtime 95 minutes

Genres Mystery, Comedy, Thriller, Horror

'Thor: Ragnarok' (2017)

Rotten tomatoes score: 93%.

A film that came at the perfect time not only for Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor, but for the MCU as well, Thor: Ragnarok was a reinvigorating breath of fresh air for the franchise and its fans . With Taika Waititi directing the film , it flaunted a brilliant comedic punch that managed to play to the character's strengths while simultaneously re-inventing him in the eyes of fans, re-establishing him as one of the marquee heroes of the superhero saga.

With his hammer shattered and his evil sister Hela ( Cate Blanchett ) overtaking Asgard, Thor finds himself lost as he winds up on a mysterious trash planet known as Sakaar where he competes as a gladiator while gathering allies to reclaim his homeland. A wild and fun-fueled space odyssey bursting with color and laughs aplenty, Thor: Ragnarok is Hemsworth's defining film in the MCU and remains one of the franchise's most lively and vibrant entries.

Thor: Ragnarok

Release Date November 3, 2017

Cast Tessa Thompson, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Chris Hemsworth

Runtime 130 minutes

Genres Superhero, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Fantasy

'Star Trek' (2009)

Rotten tomatoes score: 94%.

While Chris Hemsworth is renowned for his work in the MCU, he has also featured in another major blockbuster sci-fi property in the form of the Star Trek movies. The 2009 reboot of the famous television and movie saga opens with a frantic fight for survival as Captain George Kirk (Hemsworth) makes a heroic sacrifice to spare the lives of his crew, including his pregnant wife, Winona ( Jennifer Morrison ).

The film proved to be a smash hit sensation, winning the praise of critics while also becoming a commendable commercial success. Despite only briefly appearing, Hemsworth’s performance helped set the tone of both the film itself and Chris Pine’s Captain James Tiberius Kirk . It also offered a glimpse at the star power that would be unearthed two years later when Hemsworth became a genuine A-lister off the back of Thor .

Star Trek (2009)

Release Date May 8, 2009

Director J.J. Abrams

Cast Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood, Winona Ryder, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Leonard Nimoy, Anton Yelchin, Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho, Ben Cross

Runtime 127 minutes

'Avengers: Endgame' (2019)

A film that served as the culmination of 11 years of blockbuster cinema and effectively defined a generation of American film in the process, Avengers: Endgame can only be viewed as one of the greatest events in the history of movies. Set five years after Thanos' snap in Avengers: Infinity War , it follows what remains of Earth's mightiest heroes as they travel through time to gather the infinity stones for themselves to launch a desperate last attempt to undo the horrors of Thanos' victory, leading to a decisive battle for the fate of the universe.

Hemsworth's return as the mighty Thor, while not quite being the God of Thunder that audiences may have expected to see, still achieves a deft balance between easy comedy and exploring the character's guilt concerning his wasted opportunity to defeat Thanos . Avengers: Endgame as a whole delivers a spellbinding and emotionally rousing finale to some of the original characters' arcs while still offering an immense spectacle that can be revisited time and time again.

Avengers: Endgame

Release Date April 24, 2019

Cast Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans

Runtime 180

NEXT: The Most Underrated Robert Downey Jr. Movies, Ranked

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Fandango at Home
• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Link to Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
• Young Woman and the Sea Link to Young Woman and the Sea
• In A Violent Nature Link to In A Violent Nature

New TV Tonight

• Star Wars: The Acolyte: Season 1
• Clipped: Season 1
• Sweet Tooth: Season 3
• Mayor of Kingstown: Season 3
• Ren Faire: Season 1
• Criminal Minds: Season 17
• Becoming Karl Lagerfeld: Season 1
• Power Book II: Ghost: Season 4
• Queenie: Season 1
• Erased: WW2's Heroes of Color: Season 1

Most Popular TV on RT

• Eric: Season 1
• Tires: Season 1
• Evil: Season 4
• Dark Matter: Season 1
• Outer Range: Season 2
• Bodkin: Season 1
• The Sympathizer: Season 1
• Fallout: Season 1
• Hacks: Season 3
• We Are Lady Parts: Season 2
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Bridgerton: Season 3 Link to Bridgerton: Season 3
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

How to Watch Godzilla Movies In Order

All Godzilla Movies Ranked by Tomatometer

Asian-American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage

9 LGBTQIA+ Icons You Didn’t Know Were Critics

James Gunn’s Superman : Release Date, Trailer, Cast & More

• Trending on RT
• Vote: Best Movie of 1999
• Best Movies 2024
• Vote: Most Anticipated June Movies

HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle Reviews

Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle gives us a continuation of the anime we deserve and delivers a great game for the history books. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 31, 2024

Because even if crows and cats battling in a dumpster doesn’t appeal to you, there’s still the promise of watching good athletes play a good game — and that’s worth a seat in the bleachers.

Full Review | May 31, 2024

It's not as visually inventive as THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, but it's entertaining in its "volleyball as fighter" aesthetic. I liked the numerous flashbacks triggered by on-court events and thought the overzealous positivity via end-to-end compliments was cute.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | May 31, 2024

Susumu Mitsunaka and the animators at Production I.G create a compelling underdog versus underdog story as Karasuno High faces off against their training partners-turned-rivals at Nekoma High School.

Full Review | Original Score: 8.5/10 | May 31, 2024

Like the vast majority of Japanese animated movies, Haikyu!! stands out for its personality and intention to explore new cinematographic narratives. [Full review in Spanish]

A dull, exhausting and shallow bore.

Full Review | May 30, 2024

Watching animated characters play volleyball for an hour and a half is about as thrilling as it sounds.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | May 29, 2024

For the uninitiated, you might as well be a cat or a crow watching this: much of it will leave you cold or simply go over your head.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | May 29, 2024

"Dumpster Battle" is a good time for newbies, not a great time, but that may be enough to garner interest and explore the road to this moment. For fans, this appears to have been a longtime coming and will hopefully put old questions to rest for good.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 28, 2024

“HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle” is an excellent, and much welcome return to one of the most popular titles of the last few years.

Full Review | Original Score: 7 | May 26, 2024

Directed with dexterous grace that amplifies the game’s adrenaline, Haikyu The Dumpster Battle is an undeniable triumph.

Full Review | Original Score: 8.5/10 | May 24, 2024

Somehow makes a simple volleyball game feel like the most important, high stakes, event in the world.

Full Review | May 22, 2024