Dark Blue 1/2
(First Viewing)

Set in the Los Angeles Police Department in April 1992, Dark Blue is a dramatic thriller that takes place just days before the acquittal of four white officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King and the subsequent L.A. riots. In this racially-charged climate,the LAPD's elite Special Investigations Squad (SIS) is assigned a high-profile quadruple homicide. As they work the case, veteran detective Eldon Perry, known for his tough street tactics and fiery temper, tutors SIS rookie Bobby Keough in the grim realities of police intimidation and corruption. Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Holland, the only man in the department willing to stand up to the SIS, threatens to end Perry's brand of singlehanded "justice" on the Los Angeles streets. While navigating through the tumultuous neighborhoods of South Central L.A., Perry and Keough must track down cold-blooded killers and face their own demons, which prove to be more ruthless than the criminals they pursue.

Director Ron Shelton had a pretty decent career going with Bull Durham, White Men Can't Jump, Cobb and Tin Cup until his final 3 projects: Play It To The Bone, Dark Blue and Hollywood Homicide. Same thing goes for Kurt Russell. Hopefully Grindhouse will revive his career although that's doubtful now since it was considered a dud at the box office.