IAs much as I go to the movies, I have never, to this day, seen a Denzel Washington picture that I didn't like.  There have been some that were less appealing than others but they were all entertaining.  This one is above the middle and I must say I did enjoy it.  It's the kind of picture that critics will probably not like (and WHO cares!) while the public with be hooked on its fine directing, acting and constant suspense.

Denzel is Matt Lee Whitlock, a police chief of a small Florida Keys town who is on the verge of a divorce from his wife, Alex (Eva Mendes).  He's also having an affair with his childhood sweetheart Anne Merai (Sanaa Lathan, WOW!) who is married to an ex NFL quarterback (Dean Cain).  It's a HOT, steamy affair that comes to a screeching halt as she gets some very bad news.  Matt's life goes down hill from there, FAST!  Trying to help her, he risks everything he has worked for, including his freedom and possibly his life.

What makes this picture work, besides the fine acting and gorgeous women, is the superb directing of Carl Franklin (Devil in a Blue Dress, 1995) that keeps us on the seat edge non stop.  This is not your "jump out and scare the shit out of us" suspense.  This is empathetic suspense that has us pulling for the "hero" and wanting him to fix the problem before he is discovered.  Time after time after time he beats the clock, under the eyes of his wife (homicide detective), the DEA and the members of his own police force.  The direction is fast and sharp and takes us along for the ride while holding us to the very last second each time before letting us breathe a sigh of relief, if only for a couple of minutes. Add to that the comic relief of a reluctant hero and friend named Chae (John Billingsley) and you have all the elements of a successful Hollywood picture.  Denzel is a true movie star and Carl is a great director.

"Can you hear me NOW?"

RECOMMENDATION:  No Oscars© here but a fine piece of entertainment and suspenseful movie making.  Spend the money.  Rated PG-13 for some sex scenes not appropriate for kids.

TWO, BUTT CHEEKS PINCHING THE COTTON OUT OF THE THEATRE SEAT, THUMBS
UP!!!  

Movie Review © 2003 by Terry Anderson