The film is back in the news as its director and its two-time Oscar-winning star have re-teamed for a new project.
Our TV movie pick for tonight (Friday, 8 November) is American Gangster, the 2007 crime epic directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator).
The film is loosely based on the life of drug lord Frank Lucas (played by Denzel Washington), who rose to power in New York during the late ’60s and early ’70s.
The Scott movie also stars Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, the detective who brought Lucas down.
American Gangster’s plot synopsis reads: “Frank Lucas earns his living as a chauffeur to one of Harlem’s leading mobsters.
“After his boss dies, Frank uses his own ingenuity and strict business code to become one of the inner city’s most powerful crime bosses.
“Veteran cop Richie Roberts senses a change in the mob’s power structure and looks for ways to bring his opponent to justice.”
Also featuring amongst its cast the likes of Carla Cugino, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr, John Hawkes, Idris Elba, Josh Brolin, Ruby Dee (Oscar-nominated for her performance) and Ted Levine – American Gangster was praised upon release for its compelling story, fine performances and slick direction.
And now it’s back in the news as Denzel Washington has re-teamed with Ridley Scott on the soon-to-be-released Gladiator sequel, the original of which starred Crowe.
American Gangster is airing on RTÉ2 tonight at 9.35pm. It is also available to watch on Netflix and Prime Video.
Here are the other movies on TV tonight:
Boss Level – Film4 – 9pm
The underseen, action-packed, Groundhog Day-inspired sci-fi movie we recommended recently.
White House Down – E4 – 9pm
In this fun action film, Channing Tatum must protect the president (Jamie Foxx) when the White House is taken over by terrorists.
The Chronicles of Riddick – ITV4 – 9pm
Vin Diesel returns as wanted criminal in the distant future Richard B. Riddick in this bloated but watchable sequel to Pitch Black.
Runner Runner – Legend – 9pm
A Princeton grad student (Justin Timberlake) gets taken under the wing of a Costa Rica-based online gambling tycoon (Ben Affleck) with a dark secret in this mid, if also watchable, thriller.
Guns of the Magnificent Seven – TG4 – 9pm
The poorly received second sequel to the classic Western action flick The Magnificent Seven.
Unchained – Legend Xtra – 9pm
Also known as Bullet Head in some territories, this 2017 crime thriller stars Adrien Brody, Antonio Banderas and John Malkovich.
Notting Hill – RTÉ One – 9.35pm
An ordinary bookseller in London (Hugh Grant) finds romance with a Hollywood star (Julia Roberts) in this classic.
Hamburger Hill – Legend – 10.50pm
An ’80s Vietnam war drama with Don Cheadle and Dylan McDermott.
The Changeling – Legend Xtra – 10.55pm
This acclaimed 1980 horror follows an esteemed composer (George C. Scott) who moves into a mansion in a new city that he comes to believe is haunted.
Terminator Genisys – Film4 – 11pm
The not-very-good fifth installment of The Terminator franchise.
The Falling – BBC Two – 11.05pm
A mysterious fainting epidemic strikes several students (Maisie Williams and Florence Pugh) at an all-girls secondary school in ’60s England in this 2014 critics’ favourite drama.
Another Country – RTÉ One – 11.55pm
This ’80s romantic historical drama was future Oscar-winner Colin Firth’s film debut.
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- An excellent Denzel Washington sci-fi movie is on TV tonight
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