Ethan Hawke performs exceptionally well as "Jake," a new officer paired with the experienced "Alonzo" (Denzel Washington) to navigate Los Angeles’s perilous streets. As he progresses, “Jake” isn't certain whether he is being evaluated or something else entirely, and finds himself repeatedly put into questionable situations by his partner—each one designed to push him; to see how much he will compromise the rules—and just how merciless he can be. It becomes apparent that "Alonzo" operates without limits, and the story quickly develops into an exploration of police corruption and violence. Will “Jake” become part of this profitable system, or maintain his principles? I don’t recall having seen Washington portray a character quite so morally complex previously, and he does it remarkably well. The relationship between these two characters evolves from one of reliance and admiration to a point where they are risking lives in a very real way. Antoine Fuqua employs intense sequences, sharp conversations, and a palpable sense of attitude to create this strong and noteworthy crime thriller. It’s definitely worth catching on a large screen if you have the opportunity.

Source on TMDB