Good movie... Oscar farce!

Rating: Null/10 (18 November 2003)

Ok movie. Mildly entertaining, slightly drawn out. Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington both work as their characters, there are some poignant moments and a few cliches. Personally I enjoyed 'Copland' more, which maybe speaks volumes for this movie and the Hollywood hype surrounding it.
I think Training Day would like to be seen as a making a statement, but it fails on this front for me. I felt like I'd seen it all before in various other 'bent cop' movies, but harder and faster. Hawke is put through an unrealistic first day which seems to go on forever (they didn't even stop for doughnuts and coffee once) and Denzel is a more than a little annoying after a while.
Maybe it's coz I'm a limey and don't really give 2 hoots about the Academy Awards, but there's no way Denzel's acting in this was better than Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind'.
Morgan Freeman should have had an Oscar ages ago as should Denzel, but don't just give 'em away for the sake of it! Award them when they are deserved or don't bother.