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Blue (PG-13) Genre: Cop Drama Directed by: Ron Shelton  The
incomprehensible mystery in Dark Blue isn't who is the most
crooked cop, but how could a movie blessed with so much proven
talent and potential turn out to be such a dud? With a story by
famous crime writer James Ellroy (L.A. Confidential) and a
screenplay by David Ayer (who wrote last year's brilliant
Training Day, Denzel Washington's Oscar vehicle), you'd think
the plot would be foolproof.  Dark Blue director Ron Shelton
also wrote and directed Bull Durham, one of my all-time
favorites. It was easy to assume he'd bring similar depth and
flawless timing to this cop tale already ripe for powerful
development. The acting talent also suggested positive things:
Topping expectations is Kurt Russell in the lead. Perhaps like
me, you think Russell (Escape From New York) is one of our best,
underused actors.  Underscoring these elements is an exciting,
barely tapped theme -- the terrible 1992 riot