Denzel on spectacular form

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2020)

This movie is the slow unravelling of a cop who is charming and charismatic on the face of it but as the day goes on you see through Hoyt's eyes that Alonzo is not quite the super cop he seems.
I had no idea what to expect with this movie and the role was different for Denzel so I was pleasantly surprised. You instantly warm to Denzel's character. Even as his acts get gradually more and more questionable throughout the movie you want to believe it's not quite what it seems. Perhaps this is all a test, but no he is actually the bad guy. A loose cannon drunk on the power being a cop affords him leading him to a path of corruption.
Denzel's performance is excellent. I particularly liked the emotion behind him explaining to Hoyt why they can't do everything above board after murdering a drug dealer. Retrospectively looking at this scene you can tell he is a desperate man, like he doesn't really believe his own lies anymore but he has no choice. His fall from power at the end is also spectacular.
Credit to Hawke who played the naive and eager-to-please rookie. He was perfectly cast and was truly believable in the role.
One criticism I have of the story is that Hoyt's rescue of the girl being attacked which subsequently saved his life was a bit too convenient for me. LA is a huge place and what are the chances, in the same day!
Despite that a thoroughly enjoyable movie largely because of the excellent performances throughout, plus you have to love a Snoop cameo.