Rating: 
Summary: Denzel deserved the Oscar!
Review: ...... When I saw Training Day, I was sold on Denzel. He was the best because I kept buying what he was saying, and I kept (in my mind) giving him the benefit of the doubt that, even when he was clearly corrupt, he was still doing things in the interest of good and in the interest of the community. He had me believing his role, and that's what made the difference, that's what made him rise above Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind. ... Denzel's role as Alonzo Harris is similar to Michael Douglas' role as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street. Both characters are manipulative, greedy, and corrupt, while both actors are convincing, real, and believable. That is why both have won best actor for their respective roles, and are well deserved. Anyway, Training Day is a very good movie, it takes you on a ride through the mean streets of LA. It is clever, conniving, and downright scary at times. Denzel's performance is flawless, Ethan Hawke is convincing, and it was great to see Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre in minor roles. I gave it a 10 out of 10.
Rating: 
Summary: Not good
Review: Aside from Denzel's character throwing obsenities around every five seconds, this movie did not hold the viewer's attention. Although the events took place in one day, the movie dragged on for what seemed like a week. Denzel has just played the protaganist too many times; his transformation to an immoral cop did not show his range as an actor...it just proved trying too hard to be "evil" ends up making you look like the exaggerated villian of a melodrama.
Rating: 
Summary: HOLLYWOOD HYPE
Review: I know most people loved this film, but just speaking for myself, it was too implausible to take seriously. The idea that Washington, as a rogue cop, would repeatedly commit felonies in front of a new partner he just met a few hours before is as rediculous as Ethan Hawke's character handing over his gun to a bunch of pachuco gang members merely because they asked him to. Yes, I know, Ethan Hawke's character was supposed to be the "new guy", but every police department in this country requires at least two years experience (more actually) as a patrol officer before they let you become a detective. And no cop who has has more brains than Forrest Gump and has spent more than 3 days in gang infested neigborhoods is going to disarm himself by handing over his pistol to a bunch of gang members, even if he does think his partner is in the next room. This film would have made a good Steven Segal film, but if you want a "realistic" police drama, you'd be better off watching 20 minutes of Hill Street Blues.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling Cop Flick !
Review: I almost turned this dvd down as a rental because I did not want to see another "good cop goes bad" flick...I am glad I rented it !By now, it is no secret that Denzel's character Alonzo is bad to the bone and rotten to the core all the way from the start of the film. We are only given very subtle background hints as to his character's so called "reasons" for his fall from grace.Yet, it is never quite clear as to what the actual event was that pushed him over the edge or if it was a culmination of events... The acting performances were absolutely outstanding and stunning !Ethan Hawke's performance deserves high praise;he was perfect for his role. He had that young, "wet behind the ears" thing going for him.He was very credible and looked the part. But his chracter also demonstrated that strength and honor should not be judged by physical appearances or on one's age alone ! In one day Hawke's rookie character goes from being naive to... well, getting his...popped in a figurative manner. The difference one day in the life of a rookie drug/undercover enforcement officer will make after "learning" the ropes from Alonzo will probably make him rethink his next career choice or move ! I can now fully understand why Washington received the Oscar...I have never felt so much disgust and contempt for an onscreen law enforcement character gone bad...way bad as I did for this one ! Who said the Oscar for Best Actor can only go to those who played the role of good guy. The story is gritty and compelling and shows the world that even certain heroes that uphold the law are still human and fallible...this not excusing the fact that a choice ultimately has to be made of whether choosing good or evil and upholding one's own accountability for immoral/illegal actions (there is no "gray area"...as so many of us would like to believe)! This film is even more involving when the viewer has family members or friends in law enforcement as I do !!!...
Rating:
Summary: 1 star only because there's no ZERO
Review: this movie starts off pretty good, but then gets completely ridiculous. it's one of the worst movies I've ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshingly REAL!
Review: I grew up in Los Angeles, and my sons' father is from South Central. I TRULY appreciated the fact that for the first time ever, the streets were portrayed to the TRUEST form. People have stigma's about the "jungle" or any rough area of LA, but truth be told, ghetto's DO have morals and a high respect. I LOVED the scene where Denzel was in the street at the end, and the people took the Ethans side. Ethan had heart, and was a good and they supported and backed him for that. THAT is a true portrayal of what it is really like. Where Denzel set up his friend and shot him after years...THAT shows how shysty people can be, and that you cant trust people who have anything at all to gain from you. It also shows people that the police in LA or places like NY are more corupt than any criminal. Dont let anyone tell you different. Of course there should be an exception to the rule. As a blonde haired blue eyed caucasion, Id feel safer in the ghetto's in Los Angeles than in the hands of the police.
Rating: 
Summary: Good but not great
Review: I think this was a real enjoyable movie, and it was great to see Denzel in a role other than the stoic good guy role. Ethan Hawke was also excellent in this, and he didn't seem like he was intimidated by performing with Denzel. That being said, I really don't think Denzel deserved to win best actor for this movie, and it should have gone to Russel Crowe for his performance in "A Beautiful Mind". Denzel should have won the Oscar for "X", which was actually a better performance by him. This is still a very good movie though, one that you can easily watch again without getting bored.
Rating:
Summary: These Streets have Spoken (4.5 stars)
Review: "Training Day" is a dark film that isn't afraid to take risks. It's a movie unlike any I have seen of its genera. Even from watching some of the previews of the movie, I knew I was in for a wild and unpredictable ride. And I was right. Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke star in this powerhouse cop thriller. Hawke plays rookie cop, Jake Hoyt. Hoyt has dreams of becoming a detective, and hopes that he will be able to put away every single scum-of-the-earth criminal for good. But before he can do that, he must survive a day with Detective Alonzo Harris (Washington). And on this day, Hoyt will see the dark side of the streets, the job, and most importantly, the dark side of human beings. The next 24 hours will be the longest hours of Rookie Jake Hoyt's life. The acting is really amazing. Of course, Washington is great, as he is in almost every role he takes. But, he shows us he can break away from his traditional "likable good guy" roles, and take on the role of a sadistic and psychopathic cop who will do what it takes to get the job done at any cost. Hawke is also terrific, and should've recieved more recognition for his part in the movie. I also liked seeing Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre as well; they proved to be very talented actors. The writing is really effective; with very realistic and believable dialogue. And Antoine Fuqua does a fabulous job as director. Being that he knows exactly how it is on the streets, it made him that more of an effective director, and adds to the movie's credibility. The DVD is not bad as well, being that it is a Warner Bros. DVD. Usually, they don't add too many special features, but they did on this one. Theres a bunch of deleted scenes, a making of feature, 2 music videos, the trailer of the movie, and many more. The picture is crystal clear; presented in 16:9 widescreen. And the sound is also great; quiet when it should be, and loud when it's supposed to be. "Training Day" is a great movie filled with action, drama, and a lot of unpredictable twists and turns. If you're looking for a good cop action/thriller that is unlike any other, then this just might be the movie for you. A very unique and awesome movie that never gets old.
Rating:
Summary: Intense, fun, and has great acting!
Review: This is a really energetic and entertaining movie with great acting on all levels, but particularly Denzel & Ethan. Denzel's character is so bad he is fun to watch. You can see the wheels turning in his mind as he manipulates everybody as he moves through his life. Ethan Hawke's emotions are played across his face as he is tortured throughout his first day on the job from hell. He deftly portrays the guy who has a good heart and is trying to do what's right while surrounded by baaaaad people. The scenes at Smiley's house are awesome: INTENSE and worth the price of admission! I would give this five stars, but there are a few minor flaws. I liked the character of Jake so much I would like to see "Training Day II:Back to the Valley" who knows? The commentary track on the DVD is interesting to listen to after you see the film. I liked getting an inside glimpse of life on the mean streets.
Rating:
Summary: Wild ride with twists, turns, and excellent acting
Review: Denzel Washington once again proves his acting skills are pure genius! This time he's an anti-hero, king of his violent and seedy world that is about to fall apart. Hawke appropriately plays Washington's unknowing and unwilling student/pawn.
There is not one bad performance in this film with Denzel at the lead. This thriller, though not for the weak at heart, is a must see.
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