Training Day

There is only one real reason to see Training Day: Denzel Washington, in a knockout Oscar-winning performance as a chest-thumping, gold chain-wearing, hydraulic low rider-driving, street punk-pounding narcotics cop who is crooked, proud and high on power. Yes, the movie has other merits--imposing permanent-sunset photography, a slickly menacing ghetto atmosphere, and a strong turn by Ethan Hawke as a straight-laced patrol officer having his mettle tested for a promotion to Washington's unit of vigilante detectives. But as Hawke gets in over his head and finds his life in danger, flashy director Antoine Fuqua (Bait, The Replacement Killers) resorts to wildly convenient coincidences to drive the plot, hitting several logical potholes on the road toward a terribly out-of-character action movie finale. A strong optional purchase. [Note: the DVD includes a director's commentary, HBO "First Look" documentary, a pair of music videos, extra scenes and an alternate ending.] (R. Blackwelder)