Gang in Blue (1996 TV Movie) User Reviews

Somewhat Strained

[LeonLouisRicci · 6/10 · 2 August 2013]

Rodney King's Video beating was still fresh on the minds of many when this Made-for Cable Movie was Produced. It is a rather engaging, but somewhat overdone, Story of a Gang of Racists Cops who operate more or less with impunity. In fact, they are so much out in the open it strains credulity.

However, given this Setup, its up to a Black Cop to do something about it. He asks for some help from the FBI and they hesitate, so He feels on His own. But things change and there is some over the top brutal behavior by the Gang and a few Suspenseful gun battles before things really get resolved.

This has a strong Cast and is generally a well done look in on the corruption and Racists behavior of some Men in Blue. But although Entertaining enough, there is quite a bit here that is contrived to the extreme. Best looked at without too much criticism concerning what does happen and what is shown happening.

Gang In Blue....

[tim-764-291856 · 6/10 · 13 April 2012]

This was on True Movies and Radio Times online gave it a healthy 3 stars, so thought I'd check it out.

For a start, it looks and feels like a proper film, not a TV movie, well made and with an obvious budget. Written and directed by the black father and son, Mario and Melvin Van Peebles, its thrust is around uncovering racism within the police that affects not just black officers but also members of the public.

The ever dependable JT Walsh plays the lieutenant who heads a secret brotherhood, known as the Phantoms, that also includes the recognisable Stephen Lang. The FBI sends in black cop Michael Rhoades (Melvin Van Peebles) to investigate under cover and who finds the Phantoms at work both in their patrol work but also, more and more, being directed towards him.

Aside of this there are gritty police patrols and arrests and a realistically written script. The movie had a cert 18 warning, which means there's quite a lot of violence and swearing.

All in all, a decent enough cop thriller/drama that, whilst not covering new ground, does what it does do, pretty well.

An unseen gem ........ highly recommended ..................

[merklekranz · 7/10 · 13 January 2010]

"Gang in Blue" has extraordinary entertainment value, yet is practically unknown. Mario Van Peebles is believable as the minority cop going up against "The Phantoms", a white supremacist group within the department. He is aided by an undercover F.B.I. agent, Josh Brolin. They are both involved with a female F.B.I. agent, played by Cynda Williams. It should be noted that Ms. Williams acting skills are not very polished, and her scenes unfortunately grind the action to a halt. Great supporting acting is another strong point, with Stephen Lang and the late great J.T. Walsh standouts. With out of control police vigilantes, strong dialog, plenty of violence, and mostly fine acting, this is an unknown gem, and highly recommended. - MERK

Surprises All Round

[Dan-Bowes · 17 March 2001]

The first time i watched this film i thought that it wouldn't be very good, but after the first few minutes I was surprised at the quality of acting and powerful scenes that it possessed, and the fact that it was based on real life investigations made it even more moving. I was also impressed with Mario Van Peebels' directing skills and also his acting had seemed to improve from earlier films as this story line was possibly something he had encountered (although,i hope, not as violent). The story line was a bit basic and could have had some extra twists in it (as i am a big fan of them) but despite this the film was a good watch and makes you think of the problem of racism and persecution through the world.

Surprisingly good film

[lndkramer · 7/10 · 15 March 2009]

I turned this movie on randomly one night flicking through the channels and turned out really liking it. I liked the performances from Peebles and Brolin.

The twists in the plot were good too, especially the main twist that I must say caught me off guard. I liked this movie, but one thing almost made me want to turn it off: the lead actress. Where did they find her??? Possibly one of the worst I've ever seen. No emotion, and her voice sounded like it was dubbed or something. And with that said, there's no way I believed her as a tough FBI agent.

Other than her, this is a good movie. Not very well known but definitely worth checking out.

An excellent and underrated crime thriller

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 16 June 2008]

Honest black cop Michael Rhoades (a fine performance by Mario Van Peebles) takes a stand against a racist group of white vigilante police officers called the Phantoms and does his best to acquire the necessary evidence to bust these guys. Of course, Rhoades immediately finds himself in considerable jeopardy. Directed with real style and assurance by Mario and Melvin Van Peebles, with a strong script by Rick Natkin and David Fuller, a credible sense of pervasive moral baseness and corruption, a tough, gritty tone, slick cinematography by Rhett Morita, an engrossing plot, a moody score by Larry Brown, a provocative subtext about the abuse of power, a snappy pace, and several exciting action scenes, this movie makes the grade as a tense and compelling cop flick. The picture further benefits from sound acting from a top-rate cast: Josh Brolin as sadistic former marine Keith DeBruler, Cynda Williams as helpful FBI agent Anita Boyard, the always great J.T. Walsh as smarmy Lieutenant William Eyler, Stephen Lang as the slimy, venomous Moose Tavola, Sean McCann as venerable old-timer Clute Mirkovich, Melvin Van Peebles as wise, amiable veteran Andre Speier, and Bruce Smolanoff as hateful jerk Theo Jensen. A solid and satisfying film.