Dark Blue
Performance & Direction: Dark Blue Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Dark Blue (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dark Blue features a noteworthy lineup led by Kurt Russell . Supported by the likes of Scott Speedman and Michael Michele , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Dark Blue
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2002, Dark Blue is a Crime, Thriller, Drama film directed by Ron Shelton. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kurt Russell.
Ending Explained: Dark Blue
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Ron Shelton, Dark Blue concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Kurt Russell, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Dark Blue reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Dark Blue Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Dark Blue incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, thriller, drama film directed by Ron Shelton, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Kurt Russell's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Dark Blue adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Dark Blue?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kurt Russell or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Dark Blue
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Dark Blue Budget
The estimated production budget for Dark Blue is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Dark Blue
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Dark Blue Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Philo🎟️ Rent on
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Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeDark Blue Parents Guide & Age Rating
2002 AdvisoryWondering about Dark Blue age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Dark Blue is 118 minutes (1h 58m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Dark Blue is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dark Blue worth watching?
Dark Blue is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Dark Blue parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Dark Blue identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Dark Blue?
The total duration of Dark Blue is 118 minutes, which is approximately 1h 58m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
