Give me a break!

Rating: 2/10 (26 March 2002)

I got this DVD to see what it was that Denxel Washington did that was so much better that other roles he has played outstandingly. What a disappointment! Consider Denzel's Oscar this year for his body of work, to open the door for more non-white winners, to avoid the threatened botcott, or whatever but puleeze - not for his outstanding performance in this run of the mill violent cop flick. I am reminded of Sylvester Stallone in Copland which was a much better film in this overworked genre. Denzel's performance unfortunately did not add much.
By contrast, Will Smith was robbed because his performance as Ali was great and different. Sean Penn was no Dustin Hoffman but did better than Denzel. And of course, in spite of his off screen behaviour and like him or not, Russell Crowe was the best in A Beautiful Mind.
Don't waste your time on this film, that is unless you want to see the real Best Supporting Actor performance, a really great turn by Ethan Hawke.