Review of Training Day (2001) by Willie J — 13 Jun 2014

Denzel Washington gives a stirring turn as corrupt officer Alozno Harris, who takes on a newcomer Jake Hoyt (played by Ethan Hawke) on a one-day "training day", to see if Hoyt can handle the heat. As their day goes on, Hoyt realizes that Alonzo is using him to help perform Alonzo's corrupt deeds.

Director Antoine Fuqua gives a gritty, sharp look at the dark parts of LA. The dark, gritty cinematography really adds to the dark and shady tone of the film.

But, without a doubt, the brightest and most effective thing about this crime flick is the sensational performance of Denzel Washington. A portrayal of a man who likes to get business done his way. He can shoot an innocent, lie to your face, and convince of anything, all while keeping his sly grin and amusing wit.

Ethan Hawke's Hoyt is also portrayed nicely, as the innocent rookie coming into a type of police work he doesn't wasn't to be apart of. Hawke and Denzel have wonderful chemistry and work of each other wonderfully.

This movie has enough humor, action, and entertaining dialogue, to where Denzel's amazing performance seems like another good thing about this movie; but it is so much more. Alonzo Harris makes this movie, he is it's backbone, and he doesn't disappoint.