Training Day (2001)

A rookie cop Jake Hoyt, with about 19 months experience in the police force is assigned to the narcotics department. His training officer is Alonzo Harris, an unconventional cop with his methods bordering on madness. Alonzo is even corrupt without any inhibitions and his methods shock Jake to say the least. In a single day, Jake goes through so many dangerous experiences that put his life at risk. By the end of the day, Jake knows about the true colors of Alonzo in no small measure and decides to put him behind bars. But Alonzo's trouble with the Russians comes back to put an end to him for good, in a bloody climax.

Denzel Washington won the Academy Award for this performance and his acting in the climax and the scenes when he mimics the rooster & the wolf, are terrific. His ruthless ways shine through. Ethan Hawke's voice is his biggest plus in this role which requires him to play second fiddle for most of the movie. Eva Mendes is a mouthful in the few scenes she comes in. A fully nude Eva is a worthy add-on to this tense and taut movie.

Since the entire movie happens within a time span of 24 hours, it is unwavering and very gripping. It travels on a very focused path and takes us on a thrilling journey.

VERDICT: Tense and gripping stuff 

Safe House (2012)

Tobin Frost is a legendary ex-CIA agent who has access to certain files that can criminally implicate many intelligence officials all over the world including CIA, MI6 etc. There is an attempt on his life in Cape Town due to this. He goes and surrenders at the US Consulate in Cape Town. He is arranged to be deported to a safe house under the charge of Matt Weston. Matt is a young agent who is eager to prove himself. The safe house is attacked as soon as Tobin is brought in & Matt flees the place with Tobin.

Tobin escapes while Matt is hot in pursuit of Tobin as he feels responsible. Finally, Matt gets to Tobin and there is a suspense behind the identity of the people who want Tobin's life. It's not a very shocking twist by any means and in the end all corrupt parties are implicated thanks to Tobin's file that was given to Matt. Matt smartly doesn't become a mere pawn at the hands of the CIA and exposes the whole racket.

Review

• The action is quite pulsating and the camera work by Oliver Wood is energetic, chaotic and captures all the action very well. The aerial shots are breathtaking too. 
• Ryan Reynolds maintains the brooding, action hero image throughout. Denzel Washington as Tobin makes it light hearted at times with his wisecracks at Matt. 
• Brendan Glesson and Vera Farmiga have played exactly their respective roles in previous films too. 
• The bureaucracy and hierarchy evident at the CIA headquarters is again oft repeated. Seen in films like the Bourne series before. 

VERDICT

Not very novel but, worth a watch for the intense action. 

American Gangster (2007)

This is a biographical account of dreaded gangster Frank Lucas and how Richie Roberts nabs him with his persistent efforts. Frank is notorious for smuggling into the US, high quality drugs through the US Army planes from Vietnam. He sells them at a lesser price than the competition and calls his brand "Blue Magic". He doesn't like competition and literally monopolizes the market. He has to bribe a lot of cops to stay in business.

Richie has a troubled family life as he is totally into his work. He doesn't take money and is honest to a fault. He sleeps around with many women but when it comes to work he is perfect. He also passes his bar exams. With his team of handpicked men, he finally gets to Frank Lucas and his horde of brothers & cousins, and succeeds in putting him and all the corrupt cops behind bars.

Frank's sentence is reduced to 15 yrs from the initial 70 yrs for his co-operation in the investigation.

Review

• Gripping fare with 2 heavy weight superstars playing their roles with ease. Denzel Washington's aggression is fiery while Russell Crowe is the cop who is trying to bring him down. He looks bulky though. There are many more characters in the form of the other cops, Frank's brothers and cousins, his beautiful wife, his mother etc. All have played their parts. 
• The process of bringing in the drugs from Vietnam and the way Richie goes about his investigation is detailed. 

VERDICT

An engaging true-life story with lot of detailing. Worth a watch