DARK BLUE (2003)

This terrific corrupt-cop drama is, shockingly, about something that matters -- institutional racism -- rather than an exercise in plot reversals. Kurt Russell is superb as an LAPD veteran who's used to rule bending, favor trading, and the casual bigotry of the job; Scott Speedman plays his young partner, who isn't. Set against a backdrop of the Rodney King cop trial, verdict, and aftermath of riots, Ron Shelton's movie is about something bigger than itself, and every performance rises to meet higher expectations.