STORYLINE:When a titan music mogul (Denzel Washington), widely known as having the “best ears in the business”, is targeted with a ransom plot, he is jammed up in a life-or-death moral dilemma. Brothers Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunite for the 5th in their long working relationship for a reinterpretation of the great filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s crime thriller High and Low, now played out on the mean streets of modern day New York City. (IMDb)

   Denzel Washington is one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema. His versatility ranges from action films (2004’s Man on Fire) to incredible dramas (The Hurricane, 1999).  In between he has shined in science fiction films (The Book of Eli, 2010) and heist films (Inside Man, 2006).  Now, it’s summer 2025, and Denzel Washington is reteaming with director Spike Lee for the thriller Highest 2 Lowest. 

    Confession, I have not seen the 1998 collaboration, of the two Hollywood icons, He Got Game. I have seem their other works together Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Malcolm X (1992), and Inside Man (2006).  I am a fan of the individual works of each of the icon as well of the three films listed I have seen.  I was eager to see Highest 2 Lowest, the latest film that Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have teamed up to make. 

   The morale dilemmas were setup quickly In the film.  While they do no change throughout the film, their presentation does.  This was an aid in the thrills of this thriller.  The chase sequence in the middle of the film, as well as the shoot out that made up the climax were the slam dunk in crafting the thrills.

   In addition to watching a finely directed film by Spike Lee and a performance by the great Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright has a supporting role in the film.  He’s another actor whose work I have admired, especially American Fiction.  His performance in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest is yet another reason why he is a great actor. 

    Seeing this with a sold out crowd was an exciting experience fir me. I enjoyed seeing the film, as well as listening to my fellow attendees respond to the events on screen. 

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!