BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) MALCOLM X
This 1992 movie isn’t given as much credit as it deserves. It’s a really well done movie. It’s a controversial topic and all of that. Still, Denzel Washington is the man in this role. He brings a lot of dignity and anger to the characterization, but also a sense of delicacy and heart that media and history don’t spout off about too much.
(THREE) GLORY
I was forced to watch Glory in high school. It was a great “school movie” that’s for sure. I’m certain I’ve seen this movie about a half dozen times since school. Denzel is great in it. It’s full of great story, great performances, and it’s historical so we get to watch it in school!
(TWO) MAN ON FIRE
It feels like I’m alone in this one. I could argue that Man on Fire is Denzel’s best movie. It’s a really damn good movie. It’s the most range of emotion I think I’ve seen Washington play. On top of that is a great script, awesome direction, lots of Nine Inch Nails in the score-track, and just an overall well crafted project.
(ONE) TRAINING DAY
It’s crazy to think this movie is over ten years old now. It’s getting closer to that “classic” range of things. This was really well written and had so much grit and edge to it. The twists and the turns that you’re taken on during this story is not like any other crime-drama. Not without giving credit to Ethan Hawke or others on this cast, but Denzel was GREAT in this. He is so larger than life in this role that it’s hard to hate him even when he’s being one of the vilest cops in movie history. The dude makes Ethan Hawke smoke crack and shouts things like “Godzilla Ain’t Got Shit On Me!” Great!
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