Even at his worst, Denzel Washington is still better than most of the so-called "professional" actors working in the movie industry today. So it should follow that even a mediocre Washington vehicle, such as "Training Day," would at least be more watchable than much of its cinematic competition — especially considering what passes for movies these days.

And for at least an hour this cop thriller threatens to become something great. In its first half, the film crackles with a real sense of vitality and urgency, as well as an air of palpable menace.

After that, though, it quickly crumbles under the weight of truly insipid plotting — such as several ludicrous story threads and character switches, along with a jaw-droppingly bad (and rather convenient) ending.

Still, that's not enough to destroy the film, especially when Washington is so "on," performancewise.

He stars as Alonzo Harris, a veteran LAPD narcotics officer whose unique methods might be considered a bit questionable.

The one doing the questioning is Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), an eager-to-prove-himself rookie on his first day of training with Alonzo, his new superior officer. For one thing, Jake is horrified to see the veteran roughing up suspects and then setting them free, rather than arresting them.

Worse, Alonzo forces the newcomer — at gunpoint — to smoke pot laced with PCP, claiming the experience will give him insights into the drug culture and those who make a living from it. He also challenges Jake's sense of determination and morality, as the day-long session gets even wilder and weirder.

Not too surprisingly, Jake begins to wonder whether he wants to continue in his new assignment, as well as whether Alonzo is a loose cannon who needs to be taken off the streets.

Though the material is inconsistent, it's directed with real style and energy by Antoine Fuqua ("Bait," "The Replacement Killers"), who seems to be coming into his own. Refreshingly, he eschews such filmmaking gimmicks as jittery handheld camera work and simply concentrates on telling a story.

He also gives his cast free reign, resulting in loose-limbed performances, led by Washington's memorably edgy turn as a cop-on-the edge (though there are times where he threatens to go over the top).

And even though Hawke has put in some less-than-inspired work of late, here he resists the temptation to match his co-star blow-for-blow; his trademark sulk serves him well as he provides a stark counterpoint to Washington.

"Training Day" is rated R for brutal violence (including gunplay and brawling), frequent use of profanity, gore, simulated drug use (marijuana), use of racial epithets and some crude sex talk, and brief full female nudity. Running time: 120 minutes.

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