(4/14/2003) Many people were misled by the original ad campaign for "Dark Blue". The trailer for "Dark Blue" tried to showcase the film as a straightforward shoot-'em-up flick, but that's not the case. Many people figured that "Dark Blue" was a film that was slapped together quickly to capitalize on the then-success of "Training Day".... which also isn't the case.

For those who actually took the time to go see "Dark Blue" (I was one of those few), they were rewarded with a satisfying, compelling crime drama. Kurt Russell, one of the most outrageously underrated actors in film, gives one of his all-time great performances as a semi-corrupt cop prowling the streets in Los Angeles, circa the Rodney King trial. His balancing act between the cynicism and corruption of his daily life, and the dormant idealism of his youth, is extraordinary to watch. "Dark Blue" is also a return to form for "Bull Durham" director Ron Shelton, who delivers his best movie since "White Men Can't Jump". And there's also some guy called Ving Rhames....

I highly recommend "Dark Blue." - ****1/2, rounded up to 5 stars.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of Dark Blue   from Amazon.Com!

Created May 05, 2009 at 10:28pm • Submit your own review...