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Jens reviewed...
Training Day (2001)
This cop thriller spans over not much more than 12 hours of tough,… More
This cop thriller spans over not much more than 12 hours of tough, gritty and morally grey work in the ugly parts of LA. Between drug addicts, dealers and gang members the rookie gets his lessons by the leader of the pack. Washington and Hawke are perfect choices for their roles and especially Denzel's performance is magnificent, keeping his character somewhere between insanity and reason, menacing and jovial at the same time, deserving the Oscar he got for it. As an outsider, it is hard to say how realistic the film, as it isn't exactly painting a very flattering picture of the LAPD. But it is the lack of any morally comforting formulas that makes the plot so enthralling. Does the rookie get an important lesson or is he in the car with the devil? This question, carried by the strong performances and a great cinematography make this film work. As things get more and more dire, the audience can't help but get engaged. Excellent.
1 day ago via Flixster
Jens reviewed...
A Time to Kill (1996)
This incredibly enthralling court drama tries to juggle a lot of… More
This incredibly enthralling court drama tries to juggle a lot of themes at the same time and yet succeeds. Race issues in the southern US meet the question of taking law into your own hands to punish those who deserve it. The film can rely on a gripping script and a stellar cast. The dialogs, while sometimes not without stereotypes, are spot on most of the time and deliver strong scenes that demand everything from the actors. McConaughey, Jackson and Spacey all deliver. It's probably physically impossible not to be moved one way or another by the events of this film, even if you catch yourself realizing how it is playing you. The result is so well filmed and delivered that it is nothing less than one of the strongest and most exciting court dramas ever put on film.
2 days ago via Flixster
Jens reviewed...
Legion (2010)
It sounds like from an old John Carpenter movie: the world's fate… More
It sounds like from an old John Carpenter movie: the world's fate decides on the residents of a desert diner, who desperately fight for their lives as God's army is trying to get to a pregnant woman among them. Because, you know, God had it with this crappy Earth and only one of his arch angels is on our side. What promises creepy fun or cool stand offs is sadly rather dumb. The film misses out on bringing biblical motifs or characters to the mix and instead throws ice cream truck drivers, grannies and kids obsessed by demons at the protagonists. That's lame and never really exciting. Things get a tad cooler when Gabriel comes down from heaven to take on his brother Michael. The showdown is better than the first half but only makes you realize how many opportunities for a fun apocalyptic ride have been missed here. Meh.
2 days ago via Flixster
