Kurt Russell makes a welcome return to the big screen, after a short hiatus, to bring us a cop drama that really does hit the spot. The tone of the movie is very similar to that of 'Training Day', the 2001 smash which levied Denzil Washington his best actor Oscar. Unlike that movie though, 'Dark Blue' does lack in certain areas, if only slightly. This film never really shocked me in the way 'Training Day' did, probably because in general the film could be consdered too open about its characters intentions and frame of mind. This holds the movie back slightly and when it's all over, you can't help feel there were some missed opportunities for adding that little bit of extra spark. That to one side though, our man Russell is on top form, really playing to his strengths as an actor. His combination of dry wit, moodiness and sarcasm all comes together to create a very believable performance. It might not be quite Oscar material, but it's probably as close as Russell's ever got to it being. The movie boasts a very nice but understated supporting cast, with a whole foray of familiar faces, all just another component which makes the film, for the most part, a very entertaining piece of drama. This is definitely worth a look.

3/5