Blue City Reviews

Based on a MacDonald novel, BLUE CITY begins as Nelson, a young drifter, returns to his home town in South Florida after having traveled the country aimlessly for five years. Upon his arrival he learns that during his absence his father, the mayor, has been murdered. Police chief Winfield suspects that local crime boss Wilson is the culprit but has no proof. Determined to find his father's killer, Nelson and his friend Caruso launch their own investigation, much to the dismay of Caruso's sister, Sheedy, who fears for their lives. First-time director Manning proves that women are perfectly capable of making the same sort of mindless, violent films that male directors have specialized in for years. Her direction is lackluster, while her characters engage in erratic and unmotivated behavior. Nelson wanders through this film like a zombie, and Sheedy, an actress who can manage an occasional burst of talent, is simply bad here. The film's only saving grace is the musical score by Cooder.