The Academy

Authentic, unflinching, documentary-like look at a young police officer recruit's arduous experience getting through boot camp. The training scenes are raw and convincing and help overcome the weaknesses of the cliched but brief domestic moments. The primary drill instructor is really good, not unlike Lou Gossett Jr in Office and a Gentleman. He gives a powerful monologue late in the film on the reason why officers need to take pride in their appearance. The Academy climaxes with a wildly improbable but tense finale. And the officer's creed is an eloquently placed coda that packs an emotional punch. The young actors who play the cadets have a nice, believable rapport. At its best the movie is a taut and compelling tribute to the men and women in blue.