Rent Black and Blue (2019)

Plot OK but too much RAP. - Black and Blue review by JG

Typical cops against drug dealers with some cops on the wrong side of the law. Plenty of action with a simole plot device that works well. OK if you like RAP. I don't.

Boring and cliched - Black and Blue review by cr

I am surprised that others have given this film such a positive review. I thought it was boring and all too familiar. Also has awful soundtrack with pounding rap. Not recommended.

Routine Action Thriller - Black and Blue review by GI

A formulaic action cop thriller with some overtones about police racism and corruption. Naomie Harris is rookie New Orlean cop Alicia who, after two tours in Afghanistan whilst in the army, has returned to her hometown and is shocked by the casual racism she witnesses day to day by her colleagues. When she inadvertently captures crooked cop, Malone (Frank Grillo), shooting a young black man in cold blood on her body cam she becomes hunted by Malone's team of corrupt cops and the local bigwig gangster. Only the cop wary Mouse (Tyrese Gibson) can help her. The plot has holes you can drive a bus through and the action scenes are fairly routine. Overall its a mediocre film and Harris deserves better.

Not a nice film, but a gripping thriller - Black and Blue review by Alphaville

Gritty US cop movie in the Training Day mould. Nearly every cop (black or white) is corrupt and nearly everyone they’re policing is a low-life (wokists won’t like the fact they’re all black). The rap soundtrack doesn’t help. It’s a depressing view of America, you’ll feel dirty after watching it and you’ll never ever want to visit New Orleans.

The plot has good cop Naomi Harris (hence both black and blue) on the run from everybody. With a perfect American accent, she holds the film together, even if you can probably foresee the climax. Deon Taylor, showing no favours to any skin colour, directs with a sure hand to produce a gripping thriller, but still it’s hard to believe that nearly everyone in it is so awful.

Naomi Harris gives her all to a so-so cop thriller - Black and Blue review by TB

This is a relatively good film, especially with Naomi Harris's performance. Having first seen her in 28 Days Later, her ability to be able to hold the screen and act her heart out are incredible.

This film takes us on many twists and turns, from the initial witnessing of drug dealers being executed by cops, then a frantic chase to try and stop Harris from reporting what she has seen.

Tyrese Gibson is also very good, bringing gravitas to what could in many ways have been a thankless role. There is also a lot of focus on the complete mistrust of the police in the US, which Harris's character is trying to change.

As much as the film had some good points, to me it was never anything higher than "average." I wanted it to be more, especially with Harris in the cast, but unfortunately the limitations with the script start to become really noticeable as the film goes on.

But still a solid Friday night rental with a few curveballs.