The film and Washington's performance.

Rating: Null/10 (11 October 2001)

Okay we've seen Washington play controversial figures before, but there was something about his character in "Training Day" that hit me hard. How hard? It's best if I draw a comparison:
Anyone familiar with "Once Upon A Time in the West"? Anyone? Show of Hands? Let me illustrate the opening scene. Typical opener for a Western: Low down, yella bellied, rattlesnake types roughing up a small homestead. Roof burning, windows shot up, family dying. A small child huddles against his parents' lifeless bodies. A shadow looms over him. The boy gazes at the man casting the shadow: From the boots up, up, up, into the leering face of...
Henry Fonda.
Yes, THAT Henry Fonda.
"Young Mr. Lincoln" Fonda.
"Golden Pond" Fonda.
HENRY F---ING FONDA.
And THAT is the effect Denzel "Detective Alonzo" Washington had on me while watching "Training Day". The exact same shock some filmgoer in the late sixties would have had the first time Henry clean-as-a-slate Fonda was cast as a scummy murderer.
Okay, back to your lives now. Thanks for hearing me out.