Dark Blue

MPAA Rating: R

Entertainment: +2

Content: -3

In this crime drama, third-generation LAPD detective Eldon Perry (Kurt Russell) is part of a special police force that hunts down criminals, the Special Investigations Squad (SIS) run by Jack Van Metter (Brendan Gleeson). The cops are no better than the criminals. Thats why Assistant Chief Holland (Ving Rhames) scrutinizes the SIS every move and is determined to bring them down. As Perry closes in on the suspects of a homicide case with his young partner Bobby Keough (Scott Speedman), the rookie gets his indoctrination into the underhanded dealings of the SIS. When Perry and Keough discover the killers are Van Metters informants, they are instructed to pin the crime on two other criminals, unknowingly covering up Van Metters involvement. The case is further complicated by murder, cover-up, and illegal activities by law enforcement. Finally pushed over the edge, Perry decides to bring the issue public is his own way.

Dark Blue is a better-than-average police drama revolving around police corruption. The corrupt officers believe they are ridding society of bad elements, while the officers on the other side try to do things by the book. Perry is a cold, foul-mouthed, alcoholic who doesnt have respect for anyone and will do anything to get the bad guys to go down. When Perry visits a strip club in search of information, he tells the bartender that he wants to have sex with one of the topless woman shown on stage. The bartender refuses, so Perry takes him outside to beat some information out of him. The film contains graphic, cold-blooded violence: several shootings; a mutilated, dismembered body; and original TV footage of the Rodney King incident and beatings of rioting citizens. The excessive violence and more than 140 obscenities make Dark Blue a dark, unacceptable choice.

Preview Reviewer: Bob Nusser
Distributor: MGM

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: Many (39+) times mild 9, moderate 30+.

Obscene Language: Many (147) times F-word 86, S-word 49, other 12.

Profanity: Many (13) times regular 6 (GD, JC), exclamatory 7 (G, J, C sake, other)

Violence: Many two women are shot in a robbery then dragged across the floor leaving a bloody trail, couple shot in robbery, man shot point-blank in neck, man punched and beaten, man beaten by gang, man shot at close range, beaten and dismembered body stuffed in refrigerator, police shown on tape beating man with night sticks, man shot at point blank rage by police.

Sex: Few times couple shown in bed together (implied), photographs shown of couple together (implied).

Nudity: Few women in strip club with exposed breasts, several women wear low-cut and reveling clothing.

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: Few man refers to sexual positions.

Drugs: Many scenes of drinking, one character portrayed as alcoholic, customers in bar drinking, cigarette smoking, police officers drink in office.

Other: Police corruption shown, racial tensions shown between police and community, woman and husband discuss affair, police officers falsify evidence, man blackmailed with photographs, police officer remorseful after killing innocent man.

Running Time: 116 minutes
Intended Audience: Adults

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