Browsing: Denzel

Verdict: “The Magnificent Seven” is a remake of the 1960’s Western of the same name. That movie was itself a remake, adapting Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 classic “Seven Samurai.” This updated version is not better than either of those movies; they’re two of the greatest films of all time. But with its modern stars and a…

Inside you, there are two Denzels. One is considered one of the greatest thespians of our time, with multiple Oscar wins. The other is an elite action movie star who will gun you down with a one-liner just as quickly as he will with a bullet. “2 Guns” is a prime example of the latter.

Verdict: “The Taking of Pelham 123” is rarely bad. It’s also rarely good. This might be the most average action thriller ever made. Its most egregious sin of all is that, despite featuring Denzel Washington, John Travolta, John Turturro and James Gandolfini, it underutilizes most of them. Save for maybe Travolta, whose performance still leaves…

Verdict: “The Great Debaters” isn’t a great movie, but it does feature a great Denzel Washington performance. Take him out, and it’s a rather formulaic, often plucky historical drama. But when he appears in a scene, it jolts the movie with an electricity reminiscent of Robin Williams in “Dead Poets Society.” It’s a must-watch for…