Training Day Makes The Grade

Rating: Null/10 (14 December 2001)

Training Day is a very well-done film. I watched a screening copy of it at my apartment in Hollywood then had to walk down the sidewalk for some errands... that's when I realized the hard-hitting nature and true to life perfection of this picture in its portrayal of the LA streets.

I laugh at the handful of negative comments questioning the quality of writing and/or directing. Just on the surface (for all those non-film school kids out there), there is a scene where Alonzo and Jake are sitting in a Stan's (?) house when Stan remembers Jake being a great safety in high school. Everyone who knows football knows that a safety is the lack resort to stopping a quarterback who gets loose. Later Alonzo makes a comment comparing himself to a quarterback. Nice writing. Then there is the scene where Alonzo meets with the heads of the police who are portrayed like Mafia Dons. It is lit very much like the Godfather with the single (low) light source and a yellow, almost Sepia, filter. Beautiful directing.
Acting? Coach Boone to Alonzo. I think that about sums it up. He does an amazing job and puts you on edge, not only with the lines, but his intensity in his eyes. That's something that cannot be directed or written. Ethan Hawke, very subtle but very effective. Again, his delivery makes the lines jump off the page and turn them into anguish and fear that words just don't capture.
As far as just the overall presentation, no, it does not drag. It's supposed to be scary/real, not over the top unbelievable like Warner Brothers has a bad habit of doing. It makes you think of what actually could happen, what could go on if it is allowed.
Great effort people, keep these types of movies coming. 8/10