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"That's The Last
Time I Let Kate Borrow
The Car" |
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Directed by Ron Shelton
- Written by James
Ellroy, David Ayer
Starring Kurt Russell,
Dash Mihok, Ving Rhames,
Scott Speedman, Kurupt
Distributed by MGM/UA -
2002 - 118mins - Rated R |
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Sworn to protect/Sworn to serve/Sworn to secrecy. |
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Oh, if
only 5 minutes of "Dark Blue" could have been stretched into an entire
film!
Near the end of the movie, the corrupt cop played by Kurt Russell
pursues the criminals that have screwed up his life with the colorful
and violent backdrop of the 1992 LA riots. During the brief sequence,
Russell drives through crowds, avoids being beaten and shot by random
people and struggles just to keep his eyes on his target. It's a
brilliant sequence, and the very idea of a cop seeking revenge during
the mother of all riots could translate to a frightening and thrilling
film.
Sadly, most of the movie takes place before the riots begin, so we
must sit through yet another routine cop thriller. As always, Russell
gives a true tour de force performance, but his costars slack and his
director lets him down. Is this a sleek and stylish action film? Or is
it a gritty and dirty drama? The director can't decide so he tries
both, making the film awkward and disjointed.
It hasn't been too long since I watched "Dark Blue," and all I can
remember of it is Russell, the fine chase sequence, and a preachy and
moralistic ending that is cheesy and ill-fitting to a movie this dark.
What a wasted opportunity. |
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© Written by Jacob Hall -
Email
Me! |
TC Candler's Comment
n/a
Richard Propes' Comment
Sometimes,
I forget that Kurt Russell is really a pretty
damn good actor. I seem to always remember him
from his early days in all those Disney films. I
loved those films. :0 Seriously, Russell
is the best thing in this film and very nearly
salvages it. Unfortunately, a rather predictable
script, lifeless direction and a weak supporting
cast cause this film to not live up to its
potential. Russell fans will enjoy his
performance, but most others will find it
disappointing.
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