MOVIE - DARK BLUE - Review Rating $$$$$ $1/2 (OUT OF 10)
STARRING - Kurt Russell (Sgt. Perry), Scott Speedman (Bobby), Ving Rhames (Deputy Chief Holland), Brendan Gleeson, Michael Michele & Lolita Davidovich.
DIRECTOR - Ron Shelton (Tin Cup, White Men Can't Jump & Bull Durham)
Dark Blue tells the story of two LAPD cops investigating a quadruple homicide/robbery during the week leading up to the not guilty verdict in the first Rodney King trial.
The problem with Dark Blue is that it really is two movies in one and neither of the stories are done justice as a result.
The first story deals with the corruption and racism that plagued the LAPD in the late 80's and early 90's. The issue is dealt with in an overly simplistic manner and with a very broad brush the movie paints virtually all LAPD cops as corrupt, uncaring alcoholics. What gets almost totally ignored in the process is how the once glorified LAPD became so tarnished and the other factors that contributed to the stark racial divide in L.A. It's simply inadequate, when dealing with these thorny issues, to have a few scenes where corrupt senior cops use their influence to protect corrupt junior cops. If Dark Blue hadn't been pretentious enough to use the Rodney King issue as a backdrop its lack of depth and analysis might be excusable. Having chosen to interject the subject, into the plot, Dark Blue deserves criticism for its less than adequate examination of the topic.
The second story revolves around a rookie detective being educated about "true" police work by a street wise veteran. This part of the movie has an uncanny resemblance to the movie Training Day. This similarity is not as surprising as you may first think when you consider the fact that David Ayer wrote the screenplay for both movies. What is surprising is that he doesn't do as nearly a good job of portraying the crossing of the thin blue line, in Dark Blue, as he did in Training Day. Part of the explanation for this lies in the criticism noted above. Training Day was focused on one story line whereas Dark Blue tries, unsuccessfully, to tell two major stories in the same amount of time. The unfolding events in the script, which is full of plot holes, are so telegraphed that this cop drama is about as suspenseful as the outcome of a typical figure skating competition. You'll know the outcome far in advance.
So why should you spend your hard earned money and go see this movie. The are two reasons. The first reason is that Dark Blue, despite its failings, is otherwise well-paced and moves briskly enough to keep your attention. Its almost as if Director Shelton recognized how "light" the script had turned out to be and settled on making Dark Blue watchable if not consequential.
The other reason to go see Dark Blue is the outstanding performance of Kurt Russell. His performance, like Pacino's in The Recruit, demonstrates how a veteran, talented actor can make a bad movie tolerable. Russell, working with very limited material, gives a nuanced performance that aptly conveys Sgt. Perry's swagger and self-loathing. Russell carries the movie on his shoulders alone and his performance is worth the price of admission.
The rest of the cast, especially his rookie partner (Speedman), give performances that are for the most part unconvincing. In fairness they are hampered by the material. Ving Rhames, as Deputy Chief, gets the attitude right but his character is so sorely underdeveloped there is little else he can do with the role. Michael Michele, unlike her recent outing in How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, demonstrates that she can act but the script gives her little opportunity to do so.
While Dark Blue fails to be original, or a serious examination of the problems with the LAPD, those who like cop movies will find it to be sufficiently entertaining.
Running time - 116 minutes
Alternative Reviews:
Roger Ebert's Review
Private Joker's Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews"
Dark Blue Official Website
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2003
David Schwartz.
Last update:
8/9/03; 11:07:38 PM.
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