DENZEL WASHINGTON mini-MEGA (with Marc Bernardin, Kevin Avery, & Jacqueline Coley)
Aug 9, 2022
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Guest GMs rank the 11 best films starring Denzel Washington in a mini-mega draft. They discuss his evolution in Hollywood, from prestige to action roles, strategic drafting, and the impact of his performance in movies like 'The Book of Eli', 'Flight', and 'American Gangster'. The podcast also explores Denzel's brilliance in 'Fences', 'Malcolm X', and his on-screen charisma in 'He Got Game' and 'Ricochet'.
Denzel's range shines in gritty roles like 'Training Day,' showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Washington's performance in 'Malcolm X' highlights his ability to embody historical figures with power and depth.
'Inside Man' demonstrates Denzel's on-screen presence in a thrilling heist film, showcasing his acting range.
American Gangster portrays the struggle for success with Denzel's captivating performance adding depth to the narrative.
'Flight' delves into addiction with Denzel's raw portrayal showcasing the complexities and consequences of substance abuse.
'Fences' showcases Denzel's directorial prowess and exceptional performance, bringing August Wilson's play to life.
Deep dives
Man on Fire
Kevin places Man on Fire at number 10 due to his personal bias and love for the movie. While acknowledging it may not be a masterpiece, he appreciates its solid Denzel performance and overall aesthetic.
Training Day
At number 11, Kevin selects Training Day, a gritty film where Denzel Washington portrays a corrupt narcotics officer, Alonzo Harris, earning his second Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Malcolm X
For the number 11 spot, Kevin chooses Malcolm X, a biopic featuring Denzel's powerful portrayal of the civil rights leader, Malcolm X, directed by Spike Lee and earning Denzel his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Inside Man
At number 10, Kevin picks Inside Man, a thrilling heist film where Denzel plays a detective negotiating with a cunning bank robber, showcasing his exceptional acting range and on-screen presence.
American Gangster - An Iconic Tale of Rise and Fall
American Gangster captures the essence of upward mobility and the struggle for success in a country that inhibits it. Denzel's portrayal of a determined criminal facing moral dilemmas adds depth to the character trajectory. Despite not being on Mark's list, the film showcases a powerful narrative of Vietnam War veterans navigating the system with resilience.
Flight - Denzel's Raw Portrayal of Demons
In 'Flight,' Denzel plays a broken and struggling character, a departure from his usual roles of assured characters. The movie delves into substance abuse and presents a raw portrayal of a man facing his inner demons. Despite the film's flaws, Denzel's performance shines, depicting the complexities of addiction and its consequences.
The Great North - Animated Fun on Fox
Catch Jacqueline's work on 'The Great North,' an animated show on Fox where she writes and lends her voice. Season three premieres on September 25th, offering a blend of humor and entertainment between 'Bob's Burgers' and 'Family Guy.' Hear Jacqueline on 'Rotten Tomatoes is Wrong,' exploring movies that the Tomatometer may have misjudged.
Denzel Washington Directs the Powerful 'Fences' Adaptation
In 'Fences,' Denzel Washington showcases his directorial prowess by bringing August Wilson's highly acclaimed play to the big screen. With a stellar performance from Denzel himself and an exceptional cast, the film delves into deep themes and emotions, delivering a powerful and poignant cinematic experience.
Inside Man Replaces by Denzel Washington's Stirring Performance in 'Glory'
Replacing 'Inside Man,' Denzel's role in 'Glory' shines brightly at number three. His impactful portrayal in the film brings to light the struggles and sacrifices faced by the African American soldiers during the Civil War. Denzel's poignant performance, especially in iconic scenes like the single tear moment, adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Highly Acclaimed 'Glory' Replaces 'Inside Man' in the Top Three
Kevin's choice of 'Glory' at number three brings forth a poignant portrayal of African American soldiers during the Civil War. The film's emotional depth, impactful performances, and historical significance resonate strongly, highlighting Denzel's award-winning performance that captivates audiences with its raw emotion and historical context.
Discarding Movies
Discarded movies included Training Day, Inside Man, Philadelphia, Remember the Titans, Mobetta Blues, and The Hurricane.
Favorite Denzel Moment
Jackalyn and Kevin's favorite Denzel moment was the "I'm leaving with something" clip, resonating with them for its humor and authenticity.
Veteran guest GM Marc Bernardin (Fatman Beyond) is joined by Kevin Avery ("The Great North") and Jacqueline Coley (Rotten Tomatoes) to rank the 11 best films starring two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington!
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