Ridley Scott's last few films (Kingdom of Heaven, A Good Year) bombed at the box-office. But his new gangsterama, American Gangster, should convince viewers that the eminently talented director who made Alien and Blade Runner hasn't completely lost his touch.

American Gangster is a slick and gritty movie about the rise and fall of a true-life drug kingpin of the 70s, played superbly by Denzel Washington. Out to get him is the fearless maverick cop, played by Russell Crowe.

Now when two of Hollywood's best actors, both Oscar winners, go head-to-head in a cop-vs-crimelord movie like this, the results are nothing less than fireworks. Both men sizzle up every single one of their scenes. Denzel imbues his criminal character with extraordinary charisma, while Russell breathes glorious life into his troubled cop character.

American Gangster looks and feels like a Michael Mann movie (Miami Vice, Heat), packed as it is with the funky sounds and sights of its 1970s era. There is so much panache and brio in the production and performances that it is hard to take your eyes off the screen. Indeed, the Oscars would be hard-pressed not to nominate it in at least the acting category when the nominations are announced sometime this month. Already, the Golden Globes nominated it for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for our darling Denzel. Cineastes, get thee to the cinema now!