Training Day (2001)

Editor's Note Antoine Fuqua (THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS, BAIT) turns up the intensity level with TRAINING DAY, a charged drama about police corruption in downtown Los Angeles. Ethan Hawke stars as Jake Hoyt, a well-intentioned young officer who thinks he's found his ticket to becoming a detective in the form of undercover officer Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Harris is a notorious figure in the streets and in the office. He also has the authority to make Jake's professional wishes come true, provided Jake is able to prove his worth on Alonzo's team. At first, Alonzo's blunt, carefree demeanor provides a shock to Jake's optimistic system, but as it becomes clear that Alonzo is dangerously out of control, Jake must decide whether or not to risk his future in the name of the law. Washington's performance as the evil, pragmatic detective is a sight to behold. He delivers his lines with a devilish ferocity that keeps the film bubbling throughout. Hawke slips into the role of the rookie everyman with ease, providing a good contrast to Washington's fiery presence. Former video director Fuqua completes the picture by casting musicians Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Macy Gray in supporting roles.

	Tom Berenger
	Snoop Dogg
	Ethan Hawke
	Macy Gray
	Scott Glenn
	Harris Yulin
	Raymond J. Barry
	Eva Mendes
	Denzel Washington
	Dr. Dre
	Will Foster Stewart
	Mauro Fiore - Director of Photography
	Mark Mancina - Composer
	Conrad Buff - Editor
	Michele Michel - Costume Designer
	Robert Newmyer - Producer
	Jeffrey Silver - Producer
	Naomi Shohan - Production Designer
	David Ayer - Screenwriter
	Antoine Fuqua - Director

Variety
"...A flashy, cool and supremely charismatic performance by Denzel Washington serves as a flashpoint for TRAINING DAY..." 09/03/2001 p.38-47

New York Times
"...In TRAINING DAY, Mr. Washington's dry-ice grandeur -- the predator's reflexes contrasting with a pensive mouth -- deserves regard, and his powerhouse virtuosity will almost guarantee him an Oscar nomination..." 10/05/2001 p.E14

USA Today
"...Washington is alternately menacing and charismatic -- one of the best performances in his career....Just as remarkable is the taut directing style of Antoine Fuqua and the gritty dialogue of screenwriter David Ayer..." 10/05/2001 p.5E

Rolling Stone
"...Denzel Washington, who just keeps getting better is a sparking, snapping live wire....His smiling seductive monster is a thrilling creation that gives TRAINING DAY all the bite it needs..." 10/11/2001 p.98

Sight and Sound
"...[Washington] is never less than a spellbinding villain..." 02/01/2002 p.62-3

Total Film
"...A hellish life-in-a day cop flick, TRAINING DAY's a simple, brutal pleasure..." 03/01/2002 p.98

Chicago Sun-Times
"...Washington's performance gleefully goes over the top..." 03/22/2002 p.31

Widescreen Review
"[T]he entire presentation is very natural and realistic." 07/01/2006 p.67