He's best in those moments when he's called on to lay back a bit, occasionally showing a nice underplayed style. The passion in the role comes from Jade Yorker as Jesus when he was 12. Milla Jovovich is strong as Dakota, the unhappy hooker in the room next door with whom Jake strikes up a friendship. Zelda Harris has a warm chemistry with Washington as Jake's daughter, who still loves him. Spike Lee is a real talent.
Game is nice to look at.
There are times it catches fire. But there also is an inspirational final scene that throws everything off balance. The flame is smothered and, despite all the good work, the film flounders.