Training Day

You can’t sit still.  Your pulse quickens.  Your breath becomes short.   Beads of perspiration build on your forehead.  You feel your heart pounding in your chest.  You ask yourself how much more you can take.  No you’re not having a medical emergency, you’re watching Training Day, the latest film starring Denzel Washington as a corrupt Los Angeles undercover cop.  This was the response this movie invoked in me for two hours.   Training Day is electric!  This film is the reason we go to the movies!

Training Day is directed by Antoine Fuqua, a former music video director who most notably directed Hong Kong action star Chow Yun Fat in The Replacement Killers.  That film was OK, but with Training Day, Fuqua has crafted an infinitely better film.  He has shown what he can do with a good script and some talented actors, and judging by the movie’s opening weekend gross, (not to take away from the significant box office clout of Oscar winner Mira Sorvino-DM) he has proved that he can be successful at the box office.  Expect to see more movies from this guy in the future. 

Training Day revolves around its two central characters, the seasoned veteran Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington), and his newest trainee Jake Hoyte (Ethan Hawke) out to make a difference in the world.  On Jake’s first day on the job, the two experience a series of events that change both their lives.  There’s not much more I can say about the plot without giving away some great twists, which there are plenty of, but just know there is one. 

What can I say about Denzel Washington?  The man is arguably the most talented actor in Hollywood.  He never puts less than 100% of himself into his roles and his Oscar-worthy performance in this movie demonstrates this fact once again.  Equally superb is Ethan Hawke, showing range and maturity as an actor in his role.  And the fine acting doesn’t stop there.  Scott Glen is excellent as a criminal informant and heck, even rappers Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre were good.

This is one of the most riveting thrillers I’ve seen in a long time, and certainly it belongs in the top ten best films of the year.  A perfect blend of directing, writing, acting, and stylistic flare come together to make the most entertaining movie in months.  I’m trying to think of something bad to say about this movie but I can’t.  Some film school snobs might say that it’s implausible in parts, and it may be a little, but hey, lighten up and just enjoy a great time at the movies.  Grab your popcorn (and your heart paddles) because you’re in for one intense ride around the block.

**** out of *****