"Blue magic, it's a brand name, like Pepsi it's a brand name! I stand behind it, I guarantee it. They don't need to know me just like they don't need to know the manager of General Mill's." - Nostalgic quote by Denzel
The best scene in American Gangster IMO was when he was talking to his brother about "the loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room". .......that's such wisdom.....and as the point in the movie shows "loud" doesn't always mean vocally. And in the end it's what drew all that heat from those cops that brought him down. It was the underlying story in the movie.
Yes, that was a great scene because denzels character Frank didn’t take his own advice. He was the one who was being loud when he wore that chinchilla fur coat and hat at the big fight.
@@thejman8734 right lol people don't understand what Hollywood loves to do . It's called sensationalism. Also frank lied about a lot of stuff that happened in the movie. Killing your own kind aint gangsta at all btw
Yea theres no one in history literally done that shot someone in the head in front of about a 100 people then calmly gone back into a coffee shop and carried on drinking coffee . Probably in Mexico or Colombia or some third world country maybe not in America it's all Hollywood bullshit
No shit it was dressed up Hollywood drama, I wasn’t saying Frank Lucas was “gangster” for doing that in real life. The comment is made in reference to the *CHARACTER in the MOVIE* that was _created_ for story telling and plot purposes to enhance _Denzel’s_ performance in a *Fictional* world. Jesus you guys are dense.
Its a partnership network, just business you go to who can handle their own part in the shit, but trust them to get their own part in the job done. But you stick to your own territory, lot of red flags go up when authorities see you stepping out of your territory so you trust the others in theirs to do their part. We just did the organizing no need to tell others how to do their job as long as the job gets done quietly
True especially his role in Training day. After watching that movie I figure he would be a good shoe in for American Gangster. He's ace the 1970's Black Mobster of those years. Plus I love the relationship between him and his Black family and the Italian families.
Whoever liked this movie go watch the show "Godfather of Harlem". It's a prequel to this movie, with the life of Bumpy Johnson (played by Forest Whitaker)
I like how he’s not glorifying gangsters.....he’s lived it , being born into it, but having paid a heavy price, he knows it’s a dead end life. Best wishes Michael Peace
@@tapset …..a couple yrs in prison for someone who was the money guy , not street guy like Sammy, that’s a major thing. Haters just hate seeing good for anyone….. Peace
@@Diego5151999I don’t think you know what being born into it means. He was surrounded by that lifestyle since he was a little kid. He knew his father was a gangster and wanted to follow in his footsteps and his father gave him his blessing and set it up so that he could get into the life. Most people would consider that “being born into it”.
🗣 @Michael Franzese Aye Mike Happy New Year to you peace & blessings. How often do you find that statement to be true?? That tha loudest is tha weakest??🤔
Most officials wouldnt admit to that because it makes it look like the military dont cover all the bases so to speak. More of a pride thing on their part i guess as to why they dont admit that.
Denzel is definitely in the top 5. No doubt about it! Denzel, De Niro, Pacino, Cate Blanchett, Daniel day Lewis, Sharon Stone, Ethan Hawke, Pesci, Keitel, Samuel L Jackson, etc... We could go on forever...
@@leoa4c Looking back you will find a great divest groups of Mobsters. You have the Irish, Italians, Blacks, and all shapes or form. Back then they all had class too.
My brother died two days after his birthday last year, he just turned 48. He was a workaholic and probably died from stress that this world brings. Please take life easy, stay out of trouble, and follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ken :: something about what you wrote got a hold of me . So sorry for your loss brother. Hope all is well and best of luck to ya . Keep your head to the sky ( earth wind & fire ) quote.!! Later , Joey
So sorry for your loss fella. I have seen the light myself and have now started to take it easy at work....doesn't mean is not as good it's just not taking over my life...I have 3 beautiful daughters and they are my my priority now. Unfortunately this pandemic has led me to drink more than I would like to but I'm working on that.
@@Peakfreud keep your head up. Take a step back and try doing something to take your mind off things. I know its sometimes easier said than done. Try talking to someone, it does help. All the best.
@@rickybennett370 Right? This guy calling a two time Academy Award winner "not versatile" is a joke when he won both awards playing a Civil War hero to a corrupt L.A. detective!! Let's not forget he portrayed Malcolm X and played in other great films such as Inside Man, Mo' Betta Blues, The Pelican Brief, The Equalizer, Fences, Man on Fire, Philadelphia and the list goes on!!!!
I thought Michael Franzese never ratted though? I can admire a guy who made mistakes and then (sort of) made up for them. One who now wants to use his past for the better others. Sam Bull sang like a canary. How he never got clipped is beyond me. But I'm pretty sure even after prison and witness protection, he was still running deals. ME thinks there's a few families out there that aren't so high on Sammy TV. lol.
@@zuzepfingeredfleas8744 he did sign testified paperwork the feds presented him and testified against the mobs involvement with boxing something of that degree but he’s not totally clean there’s a video of mike testifying on TH-cam
@@epicfoofightersrockstar6602 he tends to push the questions a little to far almost trying to provoke something out of each question lol. I don't know his too much for me as if his never satisfied without knowing all the facts etc
Michael has really taken his experience and carven out a good place for himself with these movie critiques. Awesome!! And yes the Godfather of Harlem is a great series starring Forrest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson. They did a great job detailing Bumpy's relationship with Chin Gigantes family.
Well I think it got over hyped on release trailer said something like Americas most gangster? Meanwhile lots of people probably never heard of him but most people have heard of say Al Capone or Bugsy or even Dillenger so I the 30s prohibition era gangsters are probably more notorious but it was a good movie and I like that it was a true story.
Michael’s advice resonates with me. I got into lots of trouble when I was young. He’s right there’s enough things to worry about. You only complicate it if you go criminal
Lucas and Barmes were operating at the same time, Lucas operated on one square block 24th, Barnes had the rest of the city basically. They didn't compete but they didn't operate together. They left each other alone.
I never could figure out why Assante never got bigger than he is. He is hands down a much better actor than he is given credit for. and I don't think I'm alone in this opinion. His Gotti was brilliant, hell he's good in anything. Hollyweird can be a fickle place.
My Mother and her aunt remembers Bumpy Johnson well, she knew his wife in passing. After Bumpy died a lot of guys use to name drop him trying to build up their own reputations in Harlem, I think Frank Lucus was just one of many doing the same. My Mom left Harlem in the late 60's before things got really crazy, but her family stayed and got caught up in the heroin game. Frank Lucus did make a name for himself, but we always heard that the Italians Bumpy worked with wouldn't work with Frank, and that going around them was out of necessity not ambition. We do know that frank and Ike Atkinson came from the same area of North Carolina, and they may have been cousins or something, but we always thought that Frank was taking credit for a lot of things Atkinson was doing. Anyway I love your channel, keep up the great work, and God Bless You.
He never did any heavy work dont be suckers all he did is a gas scam and collect money for his dad,he never killed anyone dont be suckers lol the real gangsters will tell u
Actually, one of Martin Scoresese's unrealized projects was Malcolm X. He was one of the few people before Spike Lee who was offered to direct the movie, but at that time he couldn't due to his commitment more to Last Temptation Of Christ and Goodfellas.
yeah, I learned there were ALOT of heavyweights back then...even Peewee Kirkland moved more weight than Frank Lucas but I think it was how Frank did it that it made him stand out because he had a direct source in Asia
Sir you inspire the hell out of me. I've been in the life, been in jail, been through all kinds of shit living a criminal lifestyle and im also very fortunate to be where i am today so I just love listening to you speak sir.
MF is a real OG.... I watch all Mob movies and am a History Buff on the Italian Family and MF was always a stand up guy, even when he went in blind to talk to the Boss and his father didn't have his back.... love MF
i like how Michael is reffering Nicky Barnes to young man because he died in his 60's, like in these movies about the mafia where character is named a kid even when he is 50yrs old
I was a supervisor at Trenton State Prison when Frank Lucas did time there on wing 7 right. He was always respectful to the cops. That's a smart convict.
@Ontario360 VR That is one amazing movie... I was trying to figure rhat movie awhile ago. And you just reminded me of it. Also there a funny ass movie back in the day called the wood or the woods. It's like a comedy gangster movie. About 3 black best friends in la. Shows there life untill ones wedding day. Some of the shit that happens if pretty funny. You will laugh at it. Check it out. Or if u have seen it did you like it? Omar Epps and Tay Diggs are in it. Its smoke a hoint and watch it. SO let me know what you thought of it
Michael is so right. We keep repeating these same lifestyles over and over again and the young people put all the information on social media. We need to learn from others' examples rather than repeating it over and over.
@@shack7631 lol. Yeah its crazy that he once turned in over a million dollars because he was so honest. Now at 81 years old he is trouble for stealing 20k to pay alimony.
@@brucelston No I didn't, I said I found it interesting. People can find things interesting that are included in movies you know. Also, believe it or not, everyone watching this video may not have actually seen the movie. Shocking I know right, because this is a channel for, you know, Michael Franzese not Frank Lucas.
I knew a short-story writer from Manhattan that sadly passed last year. He was a heroin addict for a long time (since his teenage years) and said the Blue Magic stamps in the movie was false - bags of heroin weren't stamped until the late-70s or early 80s. He said heroin in NYC definitely wasn't stamped in the 1960's or early 70s.
You should do a "Italian Cooking" MOB style show and have other chefs as guests ...there are many parts of Italy that have different dishes than others
This is the best “American Gangster,” movie. I love that he included pieces of the real backstory, and his opinion about the individual scenes. I also Love Denzel and his movie catalog.
My top 5 goes Johnny Depp Shia LaBeouf Denzel Washington Tom hanks DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt, Samuel L Jackson(any of these can take 5th for me)
I think it would be great to see MJF do Mob Movie Monday on the Tom Hardy film Legend. Different kind of movie, different country of origin ect. I think that change of pace would be badass for Michael on here! LETS SEE LEGEND REVIEWED, MICHAEL!!! Please.
I Love Italy and the Italians! Much respect to your people and your culture from America. Love the profile pic too haha. Paulie Walnuts is the greatest. 🇮🇹 🇺🇸
Armand Assanté is a legend for portraying John Gotti in the HBO version. Always kinda thought the portrayal & connection with Dominick Cattano/Carmine Tramunti in American Gangster didn't really happen.
Two very underrated gangster films involving that Luciano/Schultz/Johnson era: 'The Cotton Club", directed by Coppola in 1984 with a stellar cast, and 'Billy Bathgate' in 1991, with Dustin Hoffman as The Dutchman...also a good cast.
The Gangsters kept evolving and finding “opportunities”... they now “own” our Government and are bleeding American Taxpayers directly... you don’t gotta choose to play numbers, gamble, buy drugs, take loans, buy protection, or drink in their joints for them to make money offa youse.... all you gotta do iz be born and the meter starts... THEY OWN the Stock Market, the DEA, the IRS, the Justice Department, the Border Patrol.... the only people’s going to jail now are the competition and the low level street thugs that are hustling for a buck. The Politicians are the real MADE MEN now...
The cop who took him down said something similar. In the movie he was smooth, somewhat well spoke yet violent when necessary. He said in real life he was more gratuitously brutal and uneducated.
I prefer to see Michael here then on Vlad
he's not a good interviewers
Vlad is trash
Vlad is a vulture.
VLAD WHO? 👎
Do you mean Val?
"Blue magic, it's a brand name, like Pepsi it's a brand name! I stand behind it, I guarantee it. They don't need to know me just like they don't need to know the manager of General Mill's." - Nostalgic quote by Denzel
FACTS!!!
My man....
@Shane chill my man 😂😂😂.
@Shane he obviously didn't come up with it bro. It's good writing and it was well purported in the movie. No need for technicalities
@Michael Franzese how good is he?
"My man"
-Every Denzel Washington movie ever lol
'I can guarantee that' you're correct
@@adamthoba1 my what?????
@@ezfhcjhkggjdxgfgfch56 *my nigga
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
N*gga wasn’t used colloquially at the time. My “man” was the saying. The phrase’s use is historically accurate.
The best scene in American Gangster IMO was when he was talking to his brother about "the loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room". .......that's such wisdom.....and as the point in the movie shows "loud" doesn't always mean vocally. And in the end it's what drew all that heat from those cops that brought him down. It was the underlying story in the movie.
Yeah that god damn coat.
@MANSQUITO so you're obviously the loud guy eh??
Yes, that was a great scene because denzels character Frank didn’t take his own advice. He was the one who was being loud when he wore that chinchilla fur coat and hat at the big fight.
@@Mr.International82 I saw an interview with Frank and he said he probably could've lasted another 10 years if he hadn't worn that coat.
@@Mr.International82 love (and emotion in general) makes you doing something stupid.
When he kills Tango/Idris Elba and walks back and sits back down like nothing happened was straight up gangster
It was also a lie. Never happened
@@thejman8734 right lol people don't understand what Hollywood loves to do . It's called sensationalism. Also frank lied about a lot of stuff that happened in the movie. Killing your own kind aint gangsta at all btw
@@KenyanFleming91 ... Tell that to Fredo..
Yea theres no one in history literally done that shot someone in the head in front of about a 100 people then calmly gone back into a coffee shop and carried on drinking coffee . Probably in Mexico or Colombia or some third world country maybe not in America it's all Hollywood bullshit
No shit it was dressed up Hollywood drama, I wasn’t saying Frank Lucas was “gangster” for doing that in real life. The comment is made in reference to the *CHARACTER in the MOVIE* that was _created_ for story telling and plot purposes to enhance _Denzel’s_ performance in a *Fictional* world. Jesus you guys are dense.
One of the best movies ever. Denzel, Russel, and Josh at their absolute best. A masterclass. "You blot that shit!"
Whoever does your lighting deserves a raise.
That entire video team is top-notch from my perspective (as a wedding videographer).
Lighting people need to demand a sit down
@@TheSeanBampton Michael and Sammy Gravano's vids are produced so well.
@@TheSeanBampton the videos look great. But could you be more specific, from your perspective. I'm curious, just getting into film/photography
Always a nice setting w/ambiance!
I’m always impressed with Mr. Franzese’s candor, clarity, and honesty. I think he is for real.
I thought the ltalian-Americans mafia told the black gangs what to do.
Its a partnership network, just business you go to who can handle their own part in the shit, but trust them to get their own part in the job done. But you stick to your own territory, lot of red flags go up when authorities see you stepping out of your territory so you trust the others in theirs to do their part. We just did the organizing no need to tell others how to do their job as long as the job gets done quietly
honesty lol
Michael Franzese hey Mike do one on Frank Matthews!! The guy who got away!!
@@MrRed-tf7bv your kidding right
It's amazing how Michael is telling these stories but he's still alive to tell
He got a pass…
They have him pass due to making the family the most money. Plus, he not snitching they stories have already been told
Honestly, you can never really go wrong with Denzel Washington in the lead role. Happy New Years Mike God bless you!
That’s a fact! One of the greatest actors ever! not to mention he’s an extremely good guy
True especially his role in Training day. After watching that movie I figure he would be a good shoe in for American Gangster. He's ace the 1970's Black Mobster of those years. Plus I love the relationship between him and his Black family and the Italian families.
@Machi Bethell Darn straight. If you want a Black guy to play a wise guy of that era Denzel is the guy. He's like the Black Al Pagano.
@Zardoz I meant Al Pacino better.
@@rfe8nn2 too bad the guy he played in real life was nothing like that. Frank Lucas answered to the Italian mob.
"Life is tough enough when everything is going right!" -Michael Franzese,,,,,Saids it all!
@josh p I prefer the straight way
You wanna be a criminal and don't wanna pay for your crimes, become a politician.
Lol don’t forget the blood pact with Satan that goes along with it 😂
How fucking true!
NICE 1
Hey, it's not a crime if they write the laws.
Don’t forget to take your tin foil hat off before bed time
Whoever liked this movie go watch the show "Godfather of Harlem". It's a prequel to this movie, with the life of Bumpy Johnson (played by Forest Whitaker)
I've seen it ,its great!!!!
Good movie
Great show. Can’t wait for Season 2!
Or the movie "Hoodlum", also about Bumpy...played by fishburn
Fantastic!!!!
"Every gangster's downfall will be his false sense of invincibility" -Carmine Galante
you aint never lie
@Michael Franzese I shall, great one.
And Carmine Galante died for failing to take heed of his own words.I remember like yesterday when it happened at Joe and Mary's restaurant.
Facts
Galante never said that. You have no proof that he did. It was instead likely written by some idiot who wanted to insult the gangster/mob lifestyle.
For u to be Italian and show love to American Gangsta u a real one Michael god bless u 💯✊🏿❤️🙏
That's why god's a joke!
@@jorgemorais4005 lol. Ur a dummy 🤦♂️
@@jorgemorais4005 nah the bible is a joke not God💯
Weird comment, it's a good movie
💯
"Life is tough enough when things are going right, play it straight." Putting that on my quote board
🙌
"A kind man knows a blind man holds grudges....
A wise man knows a wise man knows nothing...."
If Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe, Steven Zaillian, and Ridley Scott make a movie, you know it’s gonna be brilliant.
And Idris Elba
@@jakegraham7265 and josh brolin
I’d love to see that.
Too much continuity errors in this film
That combination was great you couldn't ask for a better cast. The rza even had to step his game up being around a bunch of elite actors 🤣.
I like how he’s not glorifying gangsters.....he’s lived it , being born into it, but having paid a heavy price, he knows it’s a dead end life.
Best wishes Michael
Peace
What price did he pay? He snitched did a couple years in prison and he's making bank now
@@tapset …..a couple yrs in prison for someone who was the money guy , not street guy like Sammy, that’s a major thing.
Haters just hate seeing good for anyone…..
Peace
He wasn’t born into it. He stated before that he got into it because he wanted to get his father out from prison
@@Diego5151999 having your father as a made man i think your born into it
@@Diego5151999I don’t think you know what being born into it means. He was surrounded by that lifestyle since he was a little kid. He knew his father was a gangster and wanted to follow in his footsteps and his father gave him his blessing and set it up so that he could get into the life. Most people would consider that “being born into it”.
"The Loudest Person In Room. Is The Weakest Person In The Room."
Muhammad Ali, Connor McGregor, Micheal Jordan, left the group
@@secretblogger6384 In criminal context not entertainers where half their job is to be loud.
We can add Mayweather, Wilder, John jones, Adesanya, Ibrahimovic, John gotti, Shaquille oneal ...
🗣 @Michael Franzese Aye Mike Happy New Year to you peace & blessings. How often do you find that statement to be true?? That tha loudest is tha weakest??🤔
@@Anthonydu01630 they all become weak eventually. Wilder got handed his butt by another even bigger, dumb, loud mouth - Fury
My dad was in Vietnam and told me way before this movie came out that drugs were being shipped in caskets.
Uh... everyone learned that when Frank got caught...
Most officials wouldnt admit to that because it makes it look like the military dont cover all the bases so to speak. More of a pride thing on their part i guess as to why they dont admit that.
Despicable
I've even heard stories that they put the drugs IN the bodies. Who knows..
That's crazy. I believe you.
The fact that Frank only brought down crooked cops is kind of awesome. They deserve it more than anyone else.
With Lucky Luciano, Dutch Schultz and Bumpy Johnson was also in the movie "Hoodlum" with Andy Garcia and Lawrence Fishburne.
another hood classic
Been waiting for this one. Denzel does every character so well!
Denzel is definitely in the top 5. No doubt about it!
Denzel, De Niro, Pacino, Cate Blanchett, Daniel day Lewis, Sharon Stone, Ethan Hawke, Pesci, Keitel, Samuel L Jackson, etc... We could go on forever...
@@leoa4c Looking back you will find a great divest groups of Mobsters. You have the Irish, Italians, Blacks, and all shapes or form. Back then they all had class too.
@@leoa4c Denzel Washington and Michael Caine never did a bad movie for the last 20 years, that´s why they are the best
@@leoa4c Gary Oldman. Check out The Contender, State of Grace, and True Romance. He's definitely top three for me.
How much a of heroin now 2021?
My brother died two days after his birthday last year, he just turned 48. He was a workaholic and probably died from stress that this world brings. Please take life easy, stay out of trouble, and follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ken :: something about what you wrote got a hold of me . So sorry for your loss brother. Hope all is well and best of luck to ya . Keep your head to the sky ( earth wind & fire ) quote.!! Later , Joey
So sorry for your loss fella. I have seen the light myself and have now started to take it easy at work....doesn't mean is not as good it's just not taking over my life...I have 3 beautiful daughters and they are my my priority now. Unfortunately this pandemic has led me to drink more than I would like to but I'm working on that.
Damn man I'm feeling this way now.
@@Peakfreud keep your head up. Take a step back and try doing something to take your mind off things. I know its sometimes easier said than done. Try talking to someone, it does help. All the best.
Denzel is the greatest actor of all time.
@irish man
Pacino became a total joke after godfather lmao
Fly on the wall Productions Scarface was the classic of all classics.
@DJ ShadowZone He was so evil in that movie
Daniel Day Lewis says otherwise...
Not close
‘Quitting whilst your ahead... isn’t the same as quitting’... love that line and one I admire to this day...
Got goosebumps when he speak directly with his viewers , the advice he gives I admire , God bless 🙏
Denzel is as clutch to acting as Jordan was in the 4th quarter.
Yup!!
Isaiah Thomas
@Frank Lopez Not versatile? Have you paid attention to this man's career within the past 30 years?
@@queenskid3780 yeah he can literally play anything except a white guy 😂
@@rickybennett370 Right? This guy calling a two time Academy Award winner "not versatile" is a joke when he won both awards playing a Civil War hero to a corrupt L.A. detective!! Let's not forget he portrayed Malcolm X and played in other great films such as Inside Man, Mo' Betta Blues, The Pelican Brief, The Equalizer, Fences, Man on Fire, Philadelphia and the list goes on!!!!
“That’s $25,000 ALPACA- *you blot that sh*t*!”
THATS WHAT I SAY ABOUT THE CHEAP ASS CARPET IN MY APARTMENT!!!! LOL
@@aarondukes5473 same when I spill anything 😂😂
😂
Put the club soda on there
@@efrainrodarte6395 Simple Simon azz m’fers!
Michael you need a sit down with Denzel. Denzel is incredible. He has a great story.
Be honest Michael. The biggest criminals never go down. Politicians, Wall Street financiers and bankers.
The cLINTONS
💯
yes that is true..
District of Corruption is the biggest crime syndicate in the world.
Without these so called criminal there wouldn't be a society as good as the US and others.
Excellent overview of a cool movie.
@Michael Franzese haha this is a horrible attempt at a scam. Do some people actually fall for this ish???
I’ve just recently tuned in to this guy and he’s so dope you can tell he was a real one.
Michael Franzese favourite mob guy ever
And Gaspipe
@Just Another Sneaker Junkie! what is Sammys channel called ? I want to check it out.
I thought Michael Franzese never ratted though? I can admire a guy who made mistakes and then (sort of) made up for them. One who now wants to use his past for the better others. Sam Bull sang like a canary. How he never got clipped is beyond me. But I'm pretty sure even after prison and witness protection, he was still running deals. ME thinks there's a few families out there that aren't so high on Sammy TV. lol.
@@zuzepfingeredfleas8744 he did sign testified paperwork the feds presented him and testified against the mobs involvement with boxing something of that degree but he’s not totally clean there’s a video of mike testifying on TH-cam
@Just Another Sneaker Junkie! Thank you
Aye bro don’t give vlad anymore attention your platforms awesome he’s a square love seeing ur stories here
theman2k7 you cant trust a vlad anyway, such a weasel name
What’s the deal with vlad? I’ve seen the videos in my recommended but never watched em
@@epicfoofightersrockstar6602 he tends to push the questions a little to far almost trying to provoke something out of each question lol. I don't know his too much for me as if his never satisfied without knowing all the facts etc
@@epicfoofightersrockstar6602 also people have been arrested for stuff they said on his show.
did you just call this a "bro"?? LMAO
Michael has really taken his experience and carven out a good place for himself with these movie critiques. Awesome!! And yes the Godfather of Harlem is a great series starring Forrest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson. They did a great job detailing Bumpy's relationship with Chin Gigantes family.
There is no other better way to tell a gangster story from a true Gangster himself! Michael Franzese!!!!
I feel this film is ridiculously underrated
How is it underrated?? The movie garnered many awards as well as awesome performances!
@@joesoto690 because no one really for the most part talks about it as much as other gangster films
Well I think it got over hyped on release trailer said something like Americas most gangster? Meanwhile lots of people probably never heard of him but most people have heard of say Al Capone or Bugsy or even Dillenger so I the 30s prohibition era gangsters are probably more notorious but it was a good movie and I like that it was a true story.
I don't think you know what underrated means lol
Idk about that, it was very popular
I’m a pastor in Detroit. I love the encouraging words at the end. Keep Up the Good Work!
Denzel,the best actor of just about all time.....
Joaquin is great too. Can act anything like Denzel
@@_Chris_D_3004 agreed
@I FARTED ON YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE Leto is a better musician than actor IMO
I’d go with Marlon Brando
He's right American Gangster is the best (recent) mob movie.
Black Mass
Goodfellas the best of all time for me
@@jem2886 im gonna go get the papers get the papers
That and The Departed for sure
It’s not even a mob movie tho it’s a black movie
Michael’s advice resonates with me. I got into lots of trouble when I was young. He’s right there’s enough things to worry about. You only complicate it if you go criminal
Possibly overly embellished, but a cinema masterpiece. Denzel killed it as always
Not possibly..it was way over embellished...they said it was like 5 percent accurate
Accurate or not, good movie. Entertains well.
@@jeffwilliams3224 I thought it was boring..and Denzel and gangster movies are some of my favorites
Exactly! He killed it playing Malcolm X too.
@@tapset well that’s what opinions are for, even if they’re wrong
I really think it's great, that you took time at the end of the video to discourage a life of crime, as it's so often glamorized.
@@michaelfranzese Michael always does that. That’s good
The scene with Nicky Barnes were about Nicky buying blue magic from Lucas, thinning it out and reselling it as blue magic.
Michael when are you going to review Boardwalk Empire? I can't wait for that!
@@michaelfranzese also the movie Mean Streets with Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro
I got a gun, you got a gun, he got a gun... everybody got guns!
@@GoGetYourShinebox “gimme your blessing....I’ll kill them all”
@@doskevz Go get two coffee ☕️ ☕️
You can't postpone a sit-down mr. Franzese.
Sure you can. I had to shit when i hit the gas station yesterday but I waited till i got home
@@KliqDon1983 lmfao
@@KliqDon1983 Sir I believe you're referring to a "Shit Down" not a Sit-down.
Lucas and Barmes were operating at the same time, Lucas operated on one square block 24th, Barnes had the rest of the city basically. They didn't compete but they didn't operate together. They left each other alone.
Armand Assante was phenomenal in this movie!
Armand Assante a underatted actor.
For real 👍👍👍👍
Armand is immer gut
I never could figure out why Assante never got bigger than he is. He is hands down a much better actor than he is given credit for. and I don't think I'm alone in this opinion. His Gotti was brilliant, hell he's good in anything. Hollyweird can be a fickle place.
Armand was scary in American Gangster!!
Michael is the Roger Ebert of mob movies. His review is always fascinating to listen
11:00 " Life is tough enough when everything is good" Wise advise !
My Mother and her aunt remembers Bumpy Johnson well, she knew his wife in passing. After Bumpy died a lot of guys use to name drop him trying to build up their own reputations in Harlem, I think Frank Lucus was just one of many doing the same. My Mom left Harlem in the late 60's before things got really crazy, but her family stayed and got caught up in the heroin game. Frank Lucus did make a name for himself, but we always heard that the Italians Bumpy worked with wouldn't work with Frank, and that going around them was out of necessity not ambition. We do know that frank and Ike Atkinson came from the same area of North Carolina, and they may have been cousins or something, but we always thought that Frank was taking credit for a lot of things Atkinson was doing. Anyway I love your channel, keep up the great work, and God Bless You.
If there is 1 person who can relate and accurately talk about these kind of movies,..its Michael
Amen
Facts
He never did any heavy work dont be suckers all he did is a gas scam and collect money for his dad,he never killed anyone dont be suckers lol the real gangsters will tell u
For fucks sake they called him the yuppie don,that tells u he wasnt a gangster
Such good advice. Spoken like a true gentleman.
I wish Denzel did a Scorsese movie. (Sorry if I misspelled his name)
Actually, one of Martin Scoresese's unrealized projects was Malcolm X. He was one of the few people before Spike Lee who was offered to direct the movie, but at that time he couldn't due to his commitment more to Last Temptation Of Christ and Goodfellas.
They don’t have enough Oscar categories.
Scorsese don't like black people! Every movie talking down on blacks. He casted 1% black people
@@instantkarma2724 he makes mobster movies and the mob is a racist organization that doesn’t allow black people. Non story
@@instantkarma2724 your English is terrible
Frank matthews was a bigger dealer than frank lucas and Nicky barnes. He moved in the house next door to carlo gambino and was never caught.
yeah, I learned there were ALOT of heavyweights back then...even Peewee Kirkland moved more weight than Frank Lucas but I think it was how Frank did it that it made him stand out because he had a direct source in Asia
Just seen your comment after I posted lol
You been watching Amazon prime videos
Yes frank Mathews moved to Todt hill, peewee Kirkland another Harlem gangster was also a bigger player than Lucas and Barnes
Not Carlo. Carlo always stayed in the home he had for years. Frank lived across the street from Paul Castellano.
I appreciate the last thought. "Life is tough enough doing right."
Frank Lucas lost his empire over a jacket.
It was a bit more than that mate.
True because they didn't know who he was 💯💯💯
nothing NOTHING in that movie was true
Word
He went against his own rule
The American Gangster, the biggest arms in West Linn Oregon!
This is gonna be good!
The man of the hour, too sweet to be sour.
The womens pet and the mens regret!
Denzel Washington, was fantastic in this movie. One of the best actors ever.
"Or would you rather your house blows up next time" DAMN! 😂😂😂
American Gangster is one of the best movies of all time. Denzel is easily my favourite actor, along with De Niro and Al Pacino.
I wish the three of them made a gangster movie
Sir you inspire the hell out of me. I've been in the life, been in jail, been through all kinds of shit living a criminal lifestyle and im also very fortunate to be where i am today so I just love listening to you speak sir.
MF is a real OG.... I watch all Mob movies and am a History Buff on the Italian Family and MF was always a stand up guy, even when he went in blind to talk to the Boss and his father didn't have his back.... love MF
i like how Michael is reffering Nicky Barnes to young man because he died in his 60's, like in these movies about the mafia where character is named a kid even when he is 50yrs old
I think he was referring to Bumpy Johnson.
@Michael Franzese i don't get it
And love the closing statement!
Best part: The Ending!
We don’t mention this much but Michael is the only one who didn’t rat on nobody and still standing, much Respect
Denzel is one of my favorite actors of all time.
Love your channel.
I would like to see Michael do CARLITOS WAY on mob movie Monday🙏🙏
Please!!!
@@armchairdetectivejimjerich9149 Hated that movie. 🤷🏻♀️
@@Melinda8162 why, it's a great film.
@Knife Fight in the Big City Did you ever hear ‘to each his own his own’?? It plain sucked. Pacino has made some bombs. That’s one.
@Knife Fight in the Big City Maybe I think yours does!
“They both became informants they had that in common” lmao
I wonder how fast they turned once they found out their sentences would almost be life behind bars
@@aguywithaname7764 it doesn’t take that long trust me, especially if you got millions hiding. Everyone’s tough with no Consequences
I dont think the host did become an informant, or he’s be dead. He did his time, and kept his mouth shut.
@@yawdjin1737 I never mentioned Michael did you not hear what he said in the video?
@@Tpc380 you literally quoted it
I was a supervisor at Trenton State Prison when Frank Lucas did time there on wing 7 right. He was always respectful to the cops. That's a smart convict.
Did he sold dope after he got released from the prison?
FINALLY!! I was waiting for this one... Hopefully Michael Franzese does Hoodlum with Lawrence Fishburn and Andy Garcia
@Ontario360 VR That is one amazing movie... I was trying to figure rhat movie awhile ago. And you just reminded me of it. Also there a funny ass movie back in the day called the wood or the woods. It's like a comedy gangster movie. About 3 black best friends in la. Shows there life untill ones wedding day. Some of the shit that happens if pretty funny. You will laugh at it. Check it out. Or if u have seen it did you like it? Omar Epps and Tay Diggs are in it. Its smoke a hoint and watch it. SO let me know what you thought of it
@@vitos2047 I've seen that film a long time ago. Its alright👍
Hoodlum is a classic
@@ontario360vr5lol reminds me of being a teenager lol.
Gotta talk about Godfather of Harlem with Forest Whitaker
Do a whole series breakdown of that show Michael.
Season Two is coming up in a few months. It’s on Epix not on Netflix.
GODFATHER OF HARLEM GOOD FOR ENTERTAINMENT BUT NOT FACT ACCURATE MORE FANTASY THAN TRUTH
totally inaccurate show BTW. Bumpey looks too cocky.
I love this movie. Thanks for creating this platform Michael. Its wonderful to learn about the life from someone who knows. 👏
Awesome video as always! Thank you Micheal and your team
Between Serpico and that documentary called the Seven-Five, anyone who’s paying attention. Should be fully aware that cops in NYC were on the take.
We’re?!? WERE?!?! We’re on the take?
Seen both. Seven five the best watch of them.
They’re still on the take lol
They still are
Most cops are still now
Michael is so right. We keep repeating these same lifestyles over and over again and the young people put all the information on social media. We need to learn from others' examples rather than repeating it over and over.
I think its interesting that the Russell Crowe character, in real life, became a defense lawyer and his first client was Frank Lucas hahaha
@@shack7631 Whoops!
@@shack7631 lol. Yeah its crazy that he once turned in over a million dollars because he was so honest. Now at 81 years old he is trouble for stealing 20k to pay alimony.
@@shack7631 it was tax crimes he pleaded guilty in 2017
You say that like that wasn't in the movie
@@brucelston No I didn't, I said I found it interesting. People can find things interesting that are included in movies you know. Also, believe it or not, everyone watching this video may not have actually seen the movie. Shocking I know right, because this is a channel for, you know, Michael Franzese not Frank Lucas.
I went to school with and was really cool with Frank’s son... sad that he passed.
RIP RAY
I knew a short-story writer from Manhattan that sadly passed last year. He was a heroin addict for a long time (since his teenage years) and said the Blue Magic stamps in the movie was false - bags of heroin weren't stamped until the late-70s or early 80s. He said heroin in NYC definitely wasn't stamped in the 1960's or early 70s.
You should do a "Italian Cooking" MOB style show and have other chefs as guests ...there are many parts of Italy that have different dishes than others
Just realised how hungry I am
Mob dishes are just Italian dishes u silly
@@josephgallo5170 he said Italian cooking never said anything about mob dishes . He’s talking about mob style production not mob style food
@@TwofourA oh lol
I was thinking 🤔 It’s not Monday! That’s ok, I’ll let it slide this time. Lol! Have a wonderful Tuesday
This maybe the dumbest comment ever
Mob movie Tuesday 😆
@@jmsirby32 I mean, I’ll take mob movie any day! I quite enjoy them!
@@melindaduncan3073 right me too
This is the best “American Gangster,” movie. I love that he included pieces of the real backstory, and his opinion about the individual scenes. I also Love Denzel and his movie catalog.
“ The most important thing in business is honesty, integrity, hardwork, family .. never forgetting where we came from. ” - Frank Lucas
American gangster is just amazing!
My top 5 goes
Johnny Depp
Shia LaBeouf
Denzel Washington
Tom hanks
DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt, Samuel L Jackson(any of these can take 5th for me)
I think it would be great to see MJF do Mob Movie Monday on the Tom Hardy film Legend. Different kind of movie, different country of origin ect. I think that change of pace would be badass for Michael on here! LETS SEE LEGEND REVIEWED, MICHAEL!!! Please.
One of my favourite gangster movies. Ciao from Italy, Michael!
I Love Italy and the Italians! Much respect to your people and your culture from America. Love the profile pic too haha. Paulie Walnuts is the greatest. 🇮🇹 🇺🇸
It was good but too long. Like watching a Bollywood movie 😂. Denzel was brilliant as always though so was Crowe.
@@John-il4iu Haha. You might not when this ‘election’ get settled.
Ruby What’s that have to do with Italy and Italian culture?
Thanks for the review Michael you really seem like a stand up guy much respect to you and keep up the good work.
If the end result is the same for most gangsters why choose that life? High degree of risk involved!
High degree of reward...
@@ineedmoney121 most don't enjoy the good part for long enough to be worth it
illusion of being trapped
Most of them were born into it. I have a friend who’s father is in the life, and so is the rest of his family. So he’s in, too.
Dealing drugs is just as addictive as using drugs.
Bumpy Johnson has a nice show out with second season underway
Armand Assanté is a legend for portraying John Gotti in the HBO version.
Always kinda thought the portrayal & connection with Dominick Cattano/Carmine Tramunti in American Gangster didn't really happen.
i appreciate you Michael
Two very underrated gangster films involving that Luciano/Schultz/Johnson era: 'The Cotton Club", directed by Coppola in 1984 with a stellar cast, and 'Billy Bathgate' in 1991, with Dustin Hoffman as The Dutchman...also a good cast.
Hoodlum is a great movie.
You should do the departed next or pulp fiction
Love the departed!
Both solid movies in my top 10 of all time. They don’t make em quite like that anymore, times have changed.
Not pulp fiction...
Why would a fictional tarantino film with no mob characters have any business being reviewed for mob movie monday?
@@HAMMER8181 they're sorta like a mob of sorts.
"U gone shoot me frank" ?
💥👈
At this range? With this caliber? Even if I miss I can’t miss
“In Front of EveryBody”?
Here you go, 20 percent
@@GoGetYourShinebox thats omar from the wire
Michael you have such a great way of talking. Dont come off cocky or know it all.. Keeps me watching
"At that time." Like they aren't on the payroll now. We just saw what happened at the capital.
The Gangsters kept evolving and finding “opportunities”... they now “own” our Government and are bleeding American Taxpayers directly... you don’t gotta choose to play numbers, gamble, buy drugs, take loans, buy protection, or drink in their joints for them to make money offa youse.... all you gotta do iz be born and the meter starts... THEY OWN the Stock Market, the DEA, the IRS, the Justice Department, the Border Patrol.... the only people’s going to jail now are the competition and the low level street thugs that are hustling for a buck. The Politicians are the real MADE MEN now...
They made Frank Lucas cool as fuck in this movie. But in real life he was a loud southern dude. Nicky Barnes, NY Freddy were the smooth dudes
They were all from the south exept NY Freddy he could have been Native to New York I don't know.
@@joshuamatthews1060 Nicky Barnes wasn't from the south, he was born and raised in Harlem
Frank Matthews is way bigger than them all period !!! #TheRealGodfather
The cop who took him down said something similar. In the movie he was smooth, somewhat well spoke yet violent when necessary. He said in real life he was more gratuitously brutal and uneducated.