In other words, Robin Hood is going to be awesome, and the first picture made its way online today, reaffirming my belief that this should be one kick-ass film. I do have to admit, though… I was more intrigued when the film was still called Nottingham and Crowe was to play the GOOD Sheriff of Nottingham, who was tasked to take down the evil thief played by Christian Bale. That would have been something.

Here’s the first movie picture from the upcoming movie Robin Hood, slated for 2010…

Interestingly enough, I had just watched Mr. Untouchable, a documentary that interviews Nicky Barnes, one of the drug kingpins depicted in the picture (played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.). American Gangster isn’t about Nicky Barnes, but it is about another drug kingpin who gained tremendous power a few decades ago but who thanks to a dedicated cop finally had his empire destroyed. American Gangster is about two men, the cop (Russell Crowe) and the gangster (Denzel Washington), who square off, even though they rarely share a scene together or even know the other one exists.

Director Ridley Scott has once delivered a solid picture, and some critics are suggesting early Oscar buzz. While I would say that there have been better movies this year, American Gangster has the stars, the dazzle and the box office success to be a serious contender. Hear what I have to say by reading my full American Gangster movie review.