The real crime, of course, was his role in "Carbon Copy": "American Gangster"

Was definitely interested in seeing this movie when it came out but never could find the time, seeing as how it runs for damn near three hours. Really, Ridley? Do you honestly think this is another "Godfather" or "Goodfellas?" Well, maybe you're right.

Nope, you're not.

Denzel Washington is a black gangster who secretly becomes the biggest bad guy in 1970s New York, thanks to selling high-grade smack on the cheap. Russell Crowe is a New Jersey cop trying to bring down the drug ring. Josh Brolin is a crooked NYC detective, previewing the creepy in "Milk." Carla Gugino, sadly, keeps her clothes on. Seriously ... have you seen those bosoms? They're real, and they're magnificent.

I actually like the (true) story, and it starts well enough, if a little slowly. Then, pow, we're zipping right along, and I kind of felt something was missing in Denzel's rise to the top. Sure, I got his belief system and rules to live by, which were somewhat intriguing. There's a good scene with him, his wife and a fancy fur coat. There's also plenty of other acting power here: Ted Levine as Crowe's boss, Armand Assante as an Italian mob boss, Ruby Dee as Denzel's mom and Chiwetel Ejijijijofofofofofofor as his brother. Plus, a Cuba Gooding Jr. sighting!

Even so, I never thought I was in the presence of greatness of seeing any of these folks do anything close to their best work. It's an entertaining enough story, but even when Russ and Denny finally have a meeting of the minds, there's no great tension or payoff. Hell, Brolin might have been the most compelling guy, if only because I couldn't tell how he would end up. I mean, after missing out on all that loot from the pirate ship in "The Goonies," you can't blame his greed here ...