
"Power" has a lot of potential. It's set up to be an examination of the seedy side of American politics and features a talented cast that includes Richard Gere, Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington. But it fails to deliver on that potential or be an engaging thriller in any way. Its lone redeeming quality is a scene between Denzel and Gere before the movie's climactic Ohio senatorial debate.
"Power" (1986): ★☆☆☆☆
I'm in week three of watching every Denzel Washington movie ever, and this week, I'm watching the political thriller, "Power" (1986). This experience has been a roller coaster ride. If you haven't read my previous two articles in this ongoing series, I was inspired by an X (Twitter) post by The New York Times senior staff writer Brooklyn White-Grier, which stated that you could watch one of Denzel's 52 movies every week of 2026 without needing to repeat a movie.