Dark Blue (2003)

2.5 stars out of 4

The Bottom Line:

Awfully talky, Dark Blue probably features one or two speeches too many; it's a bit of a shame, considering the fine performances by Russell, Rhames, and Gleeson, but this Ellroy adaptation rarely rises above the mediocre. December 18, 2008

Rather disturbing, but a great film

It is hard to believe that this film did so poorly at the box office. It was written, in part, by the writer of Training Day and is as good or better then that one. A powerhouse cast led by Kurt Russell who in this movie looks every bit of his then fifty two years. But for this role of a burnt out, street weary, corrupt cop, his haggard appearance is perfect. The gritty subject matter contrasts sharply with the beautiful cinimatography which manages to make L.A.s smoggy skies look inviting. The jazzy musical score is a winner also. Ving Rhames, who has also played his share of nice, and not so nice guys does great as the assisstant chief of police. The women in this film such as beatiful Michael Michele, Sexy Khandi Alexander of CSI Miami and the still gorgeous Lolita Davidovitch(as Russells long suffering wife) don't have a whole lot to do here. Mainly because the overwhelming machismo of the males dominates the story. These guys have a lot of smarts for the job they do, but not much sense for any thing else in their lives which, in part brings on the tragic results. August 7, 2008

More like a telenovela than anything else.

Plays like a made for tv movie, or worse. The script is so obvious and prosaic. There's drugs, sex, violence, dumb dialogue. I thought I was watching the lifetime channel for men. When has Kurt made a good movie
anyways? The ending is decent and at least has a point, but damn, the first 100 minutes is like having your hair pulled out one strand at a time. February 21, 2008

Falls disappointingly short of its potential; "C+"

I was a little disappointed with this - Kurt Russell (the main reason I checked this out) does a fine job but it's the story that's lacking I think. There just isn't enough subtlety to it, evidenced in the amount of corruption that is portrayed and how "ordinary" the real bad guy turns out to be. The concept of setting this in the climate of the Rodney King incident was very creative and the writers did a good job of keeping that in our memory throughout the story. In the end though, while the story seemed to aspire to working on several different levels at once, it just couldn't quite pull it off and there isn't enough nuance for me to truly recommend this: I'd suggest you rent 'Backdraft' if you're looking for a great Kurt Russell drama. February 9, 2007

KURUPT, AND DASH ARE GREAT

DARK BLUE
GREAT FILM

This film is as powerful as it is gripping and not necessarily because it is a classic film, because it's not. The film its self is a good film but not one of the all time greats, it's because of the subject matter in this film, and that makes it good. The film is centered around Eldon Perry {Kurt Russell} and his rookie partner played by Scott Speedman. As they are out to solve a robbery/multi homicide during the time of the Rodney King beating, which has everything/nothing to do with the film. As the film proceeds toward the end of the film each one of the two proceeds to have a change of heart. One because he is really a good hearted person and the other because his wife leaves him and his boss wants to have him killed. So one dies for his beliefs and the other gives out the dirt live in front of the force and media about what he did and his boss.

One of the most interesting things about this film is the riot that breaks out because of the verdict in the King beating trial. In fact one of the most memorable moments is when DASH MIHOK is killed by all the black guys because he is white, sadly things like that really happened when the riot happened. Director Ron Shelton did an excellent job with this film, but the acting is what makes this film a great movie.

Kurt Russell may actually give his best performance ever in this film, his gritty corrupt cop role is played with excellence. And Ving Rhames is excellent in his role as well has the next chief of police, I was really pleased to learn of his presence in this film. But the best thing about this film is two small supporting roles in KURUPT, and Dash Mihok. The two fiendish friends in this film who kick it off in the beginning are definitely the most entertaining to watch threw out the entire film. I dare u to watch the film and not agree with me. Each scene the two are in is heightened by their presence. I just wish these two would have had more screen time.

Over all this is a very good film, I recommend it to any body looking for a good, entertaining film.
November 17, 2005

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