Story author James Ellroy and screenwriter David Ayer use the backdrop of L.A. in the early '90s for their hard boiled crime fiction. The cops who beat up on Rodney King are on trial, and the city is waiting to hear the verdict. In the days leading up to the verdict, a homicide investigation involving the L.A.P.D.'s Special Investations Squad (S.I.S. for short) is underway, and a rookie detective, Bobby Keough (Scott Speedman) is having a hard time being able to stomach the tactics employed by his less than squeaky clean partner, Eldon Perry (Kurt Russell), a third generation cop with an even more morally bankrupt superior, Jack Van Meter (Brendan Gleeson). A crusading policeman named Arthur Holland (Ving Rhames) is determined to find out the truth about this case, as well as an earlier one that Perry and Keough had worked.
As directed by Ron Shelton ("Bull Durham", "White Men Can't Jump"), "Dark Blue" is effective gritty and visceral entertainment with a pretty good story that keeps you watching as it goes through its various twists and turns. The politically loaded subject matter does give it some resonance as well. Russell delivers one of his most electrifying performances as the morally compromised veteran who must eventually start to question the way that he does things. A fine supporting cast is impressive, as well; Russell's scenes with Lolita Davidovich (who plays his fed-up wife) are good at humanizing the Eldon character. Michael Michele is believable as Speedmans' principled love interest. Gleeson is excellent as always, but ultimately this is Russell's show as we see Eldon evolve over the course of this tale.
Superb music, by Terence Blanchard, and cinematography, by Barry Peterson, add to the overwhelming atmosphere of this movie. It's enjoyable to watch from start to finish. Those movie lovers who are into this genre should find a fair bit to appreciate.
Eight out of 10.
As directed by Ron Shelton ("Bull Durham", "White Men Can't Jump"), "Dark Blue" is effective gritty and visceral entertainment with a pretty good story that keeps you watching as it goes through its various twists and turns. The politically loaded subject matter does give it some resonance as well. Russell delivers one of his most electrifying performances as the morally compromised veteran who must eventually start to question the way that he does things. A fine supporting cast is impressive, as well; Russell's scenes with Lolita Davidovich (who plays his fed-up wife) are good at humanizing the Eldon character. Michael Michele is believable as Speedmans' principled love interest. Gleeson is excellent as always, but ultimately this is Russell's show as we see Eldon evolve over the course of this tale.
Superb music, by Terence Blanchard, and cinematography, by Barry Peterson, add to the overwhelming atmosphere of this movie. It's enjoyable to watch from start to finish. Those movie lovers who are into this genre should find a fair bit to appreciate.
Eight out of 10.