White Boy Rick

  • 2018


MOVIE IS powerful heartbreaking entertaining compelling improbable
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54 %
$ 25 Million
See Where to Watch White Boy Rick
Positive Reviews 86
Negative reviews 38
Average Rating 3.0/5
powerful heartbreaking entertaining compelling improbable

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  • Positive
  • Negative
2.0
What sets it a notch or two above rote familiarity is its cast, featuring a charismatic, white trash with a heart of gold turn from a mulletted Matthe .. EW
2.5
Its a powerful moment, especially reflected in Ricks placid face. Rogerebert
2.0
Aside from a few movie ish conventions (montages, musical needle drops, etc.), Common Sense Media
2.0
White Boy Rick Review: Matthew McConaughey and Richie Merritt Cant Salvage Bland Tale of Teen FBI Informant Telluride: Yann Demanges dramatic look at .. Indie Wire
2.5
What ultimately happened to Wershe was a scandal, though its hard to get too worked up when the movie itself is such a jumble. Variety
2.0
The music choices inject energy, but its difficult to care about a character who is too dumb to care about himself. The Guardian
3.0
The issue is not that the film focuses on a white kid, but that it doesnt seem much interested in the black lives hit disproportionately hard by the w .. The Guardian
1.9
By treating its main character as exceptional, Yann Demanges film validates the punitive system it seeks to criticize.
3.1
White Boy Rick is an engrossing enough cautionary tale, if thats what it is.
4.5
What at first appears to be a solid, albeit conventional, rise then fall story of a cocky young FBI informant soon morphs into something far more movi .. Screen Daily
1.5
For White Boy Rick, Ricky is responsible until hes not, and then hes a victim, which just doesnt wash. Collider
1.5
Theres something strangely uninvolving about White Boy Rick, despite all its claims to be a sensational true story. Vulture
2.5
But here the film falters, not just in dramatic terms but in a deeper moral sense. The Hollywood Reporter
1.5
Mr. Demange can convey mood and feeling with his filmmaking, but he cant turn Rick Jr. into a viable character and neither can the inexpert Mr. Merrit .. The New York Times
4.0
White Boy Rick exudes empathy for its titular character and his situation. IGN
3.0
Theres an honesty to the hardscrabble family portrait that makes it worthwhile. Telegraph
2.5
An effort that nullifies its subject and in turn degrades their ability to inform and entertain. The Young Folks
3.0
But with more ground to cover, White Boy Rick is a far less focused story than Demanges searing Belfast set debut, so anyone hoping for something that ..
3.5
A bit underwhelming as story, but absolutely magnetic as a collection of performers giving the film their all. Cinema Blend
4.4
Its a working class story, albeit one that doesnt involve officially recognized work, which raises questions about police corruption and racially slan .. The Globe And Mail
3.0
Has a potent message about how the drive to fight crime can lead to questionable tactics and miscarriages of justice, but it rather stacks the deck in .. One Guys Opinion
3.8
Gun dealing Dad is the only one to realize theyre not just surrounded by lowlifes, theyre lowlifes themselves. Rogers Movie Nation
2.5
Bel Powley, portraying Ricks junkie sister, Dawn, steals every scene shes in. ReelViews
3.0
10 1 4 / 10 Richard Wershe Jr. is primarily known for being the youngest F.B.I. informant, working with the bureau at the tender age of 14. Blu Ray
1.5
Director Yann Demange (71) seems uncertain whether to play the material as searing drama or black comedy, and so he gives up on establishing a recogni .. Chicago Reader
3.1
he movie never quite allows us an opportunity to genuinely feel the weight of desperation and circumstantial imprisonment for these characters. Mark Reviews Movies
2.5
White Boy Rick works better as a working class father/son drama than a cautionary tale about the American judicial system, though it never comes toget .. Usa Today
0.6
Filmmaker Yann Demange delivers an exceedingly (and often excessively) familiar tale thats almost entirely devoid of compelling attributes... Reel Film Reviews
2.0
Its quite a monotonous trip, though, and we never really know why were there. The Times
2.0
Yet roughing up his pretty boy looks and playing people destined for defeat rather than Hollywood endings has become a clich for McConaughey. The Times
2.0
White Boy Rick would have been helped by having a more dynamic lead actor in the title role, but newcomer Richie Merritt barely registers, and so its .. News Review
3.0
It doesnt turn into another Goodfellas story of crime and irony, isnt saying much about the Reagan era War on Drugs that you havent heard before. Rolling Stone
4.5
A frequently indelible cinematic experience, charged with unique energy and impact even when its premise is overly familiar. The Wrap
3.8
Its a thoroughly watchable drama, skilfully written by Andy Miller and others, although like its young protagonist doesnt always have a clear idea of .. News Day
4.4
French director Yann Demange doesnt clean up the story or make a hurting neighborhood look pretty. New York Post
4.0
Despite the R rating, it doesnt luridly play up sex and violence; its not The Wire.) Az Central
4.4
Merritt as young Rick who is a genuine revelation here, capturing the essence of his character indolent but loyal and loving with a performance that i .. Toronto Star
4.5
This is a coming of age story with a father and son relationship at its core. And as such, its a very solid representative of the genre and a good fil .. Reel Talk Reviews
3.0
The Old Man & The Gun has to go down as a success, and a must for anyone with a serious interest in Redfords long and remarkable career. If this is th .. Daily Mail
3.0
The old man and the icon.If this really is curtains, its a great way to take a bow. Daily Mail
3.0
Its an entertaining ride, but the lack of a knock out punch lessens the impact of the careful work all round. Flim List
1.5
A Failure Of Structure If the youth of the films protagonist isnt enough to hook you, know theres a knockout ending that really makes this story worth .. Film Inquiry
2.5
Despite its intriguing premise, its a superficial drug dusting of the American Dream. Susang Ranger
0.0
I can think of no reason any bright, witty or halfway sophisticated movie lover or otherwise normal person would want to spend 10 minutes with any of .. Observer
3.0
Merritt delivers a powerful performance, but Rick is like a bad grammar machine headed down a dead end highway at 120 mph unless he goes to school (wh .. Boston Herald
2.0
The order of those labels in the trailer isnt even correct, a difference with dire consequences. The Film Stage
2.5
Its all compelling stuff on paper, but somewhere along the line, it clearly got lost in translation. Bullz-Eye
3.8
So the big surprise about White Boy Rick is how well the movie works. Its one thing to know a story is based on nonfiction. Being made to believe its .. Boston Globe
3.0
Its a fun scene, a dysfunctional American Gothic, and White Boy Rick has more like it. Uproxx
1.5
Anybody whos ever spent time living in a wintry US metropolis will recognize the unforgiving amalgamation of elemental frigidity and brutal brick stru .. Birth Movies Death
3.0
As a viewing experience, however, this one feels woefully familiar. Standard
4.5
This is a heart wrenching but captivating film whose tension never lags. Tony Medley
1.5
But theres something more unnerving about White Boy Rick, and thats its problematic racial politics. Pajiba
3.0
Yet that puts it at odds with itself, and White Boy Rick doesnt pop the way it should, and it often feels like it doesnt have room to properly breathe .. Detroit News
3.0
Related Video It doesnt help that some of those aspects are far more dramatically effective than others. Consequence Of Sound
3.0
The result is a movie that it feels like snippets of a life instead of a portrait of one. The Play List
3.8
Demanges vision of the Motor City in the thrall of its mid 80s collapse is brutal, immediate. Film Freak Central
4.0
Also worth noting: Demange is terrific at homing in on new talent. Now Toronto
1.5
Demanges film is overstuffed with incident, with proper nouns introduced without much context, with twists and betrayals that dont hit that hard. But .. La Weekly
1.5
The art direction is bad in a sense of period continuity. The story is kind of all over the place. You Tube
3.8
Demange coaxes a mostly passable performance out of Merritt its not bad for a debut and a quietly nuanced one from McConaughey. Stl Today
1.5
Theyre all let down, however, by a script that cant quite pull off the thrills of its requisite kingpin on the rise adrenaline bumps, nor move you to .. The Stranger
2.0
The movie, shot partly in Cleveland, doesnt make our town or Detroit, for that matter look very appealing. Cleve Land
4.0
It is a bit long and the pacing is off in places but the characters are realistic and the performances really good. Independent Ie
4.5
A lot of deals go down, and go bad, in White Boy Rick, but the one that really goes awry is the one with the audience. Wsj
3.0
The movie might be about how the junior Wershe breaks bad, but its the senior Rick who holds your interest. And McConaughey with a paunch and mullet p .. Patriot Ledger
3.0
The characters and setting were so damn good, I know theres a better film to be gleaned here. Movie Web
4.0
Ricky Jr.s story is a heartbreaking one, but Yann Demange does a terrific job ensuring that the film is as entertaining as it is poignant. We Live Entertainment
3.0
Powered by strong performances and a rather incredible true story set in 80s Detroit, this compelling drama will keep you riveted. Dead Line
4.5
Richard doesnt want to leave Detroit, reasoning that lions dont abandon the Serengeti. Film Comment
3.0
Unfortunately this relationship in particular, which could have left a much longer lasting mark, just isnt given enough time to develop on screen, slo .. One Room With A View
1.5
And yet you have this family that didnt bother moving to another area. Solzy At The Movies
3.8
Merritts natural talent and charisma bleed through his words, curly hair, and little beats, whether its fixing his blue bowtie or walking through a sk .. Awards Circuit
3.0
Tat Radcliffes cinematography does excellent work of capturing a city thats worn thin and patchy, just like its denizens, and where the only (literal) .. The Skinny
3.0
Giving Rick just the right mix of bravado and awkwardness, hes like an improbable gene splice of a young Matt Dillon with a young Seth Rogen. Film Avclub
3.5
The production design is... impressive and, when combined with the pitch perfect performances, overcomes a screenplay that is somewhat uneven, especia .. Or Lando Weekly
3.8
The 80s Detroit of Rick is a wintry moral wasteland. Despair hangs heavy in the air there. Seattle Times
4.5
Of course, Rick Jr. isnt entirely blame free from accepting their dicey proposition. Film Journal International ..
3.0
Yann Demanges film is more character study than a traditional rise and fall Scorsese style hustler film and thats a good thing. Fresh Fiction
4.5
McConaughey and Merritt work so well together that we almost lose sight of the industrious supporting players around them. East Bay Express
2.0
White Boy Rick suffers from the disease of a movie that lacks charisma. Black Girl Nerds
1.5
Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416 383 2300 Thanks for signing up! National Post
1.5
With nary a sympathetic character in sight, the Hollywood biopic of the real life story falters. Original Cin
2.5
For a biopic centered around the worlds youngest Kingpin, White Boy Rick plays it incredibly safe. Rendy Reviews
4.5
As a gangster flick, White Boy Rick doesnt hold a candle to the films it aspires to be. Third Coast Review
4.5
I know it is a true story, so I cant really get mad at the turn of events; I mean I can, but thats just Black Life Problems right there. Blacknerd Problems
1.5
Rick doesnt heed the early warning about the difference between doing white time and black time in the criminal justice system. ( National Review
1.5
Advertisement In a bleak, lint colored mid 80s Detroit, White Boy Rick, full name Richard Wershe Jr., is a dopey teen with one of those starter kit mu .. National Review
4.5
Its a heartbreaking performance, riddled with moments of tough love, rage, helplessness and regret. Cultured Vultures
3.8
Matthew McConaughey) an inept dreamer with no concept of parenting. Toronto Sun
2.5
While there are entertaining segments, and even a couple of comedic touches, in the end the film isnt convincing, and parts have a paint by the number .. Datebook Sfchronicle
2.0
Uneven storytelling prevents a deeper connection to the characters in this based on a true story drug tale. Columbus Alive
3.0
Jonathan Majors (Johnny Lil Man Curry), Bel Powley (Dawn Wershe)and Richie Merritt (Rick Mershe, Jr). Wp Me
4.5
Much like Michael in Frank Berrys Michael Inside, Rick is a sympathetic character that has to live with the societal struggles he has been raised alon .. Film Ireland
1.5
The difference between Richard Wershe Jr. and a figure like Henry Hill or Jordan Belfort is that most viewers will feel strongly that Rick doesnt real .. Battleship Pretension
2.5
Somehow White Boy Rick doesnt know how to deliver, or maybe its just that hard to make a true life criminal be sympathetic or compelling onscreen. Cambridge Day
4.5
Rick isnt necessarily brilliant, hes just been made a little more savvy by having to survive in a rough terrain. Entertainment Voice
4.5
French director Yann Demange and a trio of writers elevate the story into a family dynamic that is both moving and realistic. Kaplan Vs Kaplan
2.5
Nicely captures the grit of 1980s Detroit and makes a powerful statement of the failure of the war on drugs but despite the multi pronged story and dr .. Richard Crouse
3.0
And McConaughey steals every scene hes in as the mustachioed, mullet wearing elder Rick. Mac Guff
1.5
Theres something to be said for movies that insist on shining realistic light on societys margins. Denerstein Unleashed Blog ..
2.0
(Opens Sept 14.).Its unlikely (I hope) that the Wershe family of Detroit will remind you of your own clan. Crooked Marquee
2.5
Lacking the emotional punch that wouldve made it great, the film nearly nosedives into a forgettably weak entry into the crowded crime drama genre. Screen Zealots
3.8
Strong performances across the board make this a flick to recommend. Hollywood News
4.5
Always authentic, never condescending in its tone, this world unfolds through exceptional performances. Kdhx
4.5
But then Richard probably wouldnt do much better in another city. Kpbs
2.5
Matthew McConaughey shines in this overfamiliar, by the numbers crime story.
4.5
White Boy Rick is as funny and fun as its marketing suggests, reveling in the swagger of a kid fearlessly slinging with criminals and cops alike until .. L.A. Biz
4.0
White Boy Rick is simply another example of how justice isnt always served in this country. FlickDirect
2.8
Its not great, but theres greatness in it thats trying and ultimately failing to get out. The Gate
4.5
Director Yann Demange gets the most out of his cast in this down and dirty tale Movies and Shakers
4.5
It doesnt over glamorize anything, and in fact when they celebrate it feels a little pathetic that thats all they get compared to the Henry Hills of t .. Monsters And Critics
2.5
The script flirts with ideas such as white privilege only to back away from any real commentary, and these moments only exaggerate the missed opportun .. Film Monthly
3.5
Demange invites us into the world thats so appealing to Rick Jr.a lure thats far more compelling than just moneybut he cant follow through. Maddwolf
3.3
The narrative spans a few years, so theres time for awkward hook ups and a smattering of violence as well. What I Watched Tonight
3.0
CONCLUSION: White Boy Rick tells a fascinating true story in underwhelming fashion, touting strong performances and compelling dialogue but lacking an .. Silver Screen Riot
3.0
is, in short, not only the films motor but its moral justification, the fullest representation of a state of affairs and an era marked by social, poli .. El antepenúltimo mohicano ..
4.4
As talented as McConaughey is, new comer Merritt steals the show as the boy who can make no right decisions. His speech, affect and body language are .. Daily Journal
0.5
This is one of those movies that in spite of being based on a true story, one still has to wonder how people could be so dim witted. Digital Journal
3.5
Longtime fans of gangster movies may be surprised or even unnerved by what they see, but they wont soon forget it. Brightest Young Things
3.0
Youll either love this debut comedy so much youll want to eat it for breakfast, lunch and tea or youll loathe it. Metro News
3.0
Demange, in White Boy Rick, gets carried away by the routine after a certain moment and abandons what seemed to be his identity, what could turn him i ..
4.0
Like the father he plays, performance is composed of warmth and disarming honesty. Fotogramas
4.0
I kind of wish theyd used more techno in the background since thats the genres time and place of origin. idobi.com
3.0
Abbie Cornish and Christopher Eccleston also star in this somewhat misguided effort that doesnt really work. Weekend Warrior Blog Tumbl ..
3.0
A well executed but improbable father son tale with danger, crime, betrayal, and lost innocence running through its veins. Reel Reviews
2.5
Director Yann Demange... cares more about styling than looking for roots of the problem so that the film has cinematographic, political and social int ..
3.0
He doesnt have the remotest resemblance to a movie star, and he doesnt have the acting chops for playing White Boy Rick. My States Man
1.5
is dull, and Im fairly certain I spent the first third of the movie only understanding half of what everyone but McConaughey and the FBI agents was sa .. The Daily Times (Tennessee ..
2.0
The final act drags the film down to a snails pace and overshadows a decent enough foundation. Mad About Movies Podcast
2.0
The nervous and tense staging in this film cant topple a story that doesnt decide if its a melodrama or a thriller. El Mundo (Spain)
4.0
It is thought provoking film, an intelligent and nuanced exploration of urban decay, as well as a jaw dropping personal story. We Are Movie Geeks
3.8
McConaughey is so good and emotionally affecting as Richard Sr., in both vulnerable and tough moments, that it might even catch you off guard. Freep
3.0
Its a little lacklustre in its deliverance despite the great performances. Flavourmag
3.0
Rather than a scathing social critique, all we get is a pretty decent family drama. Exclaim!
4.5
All of this makes for an absorbing true crime story, but its a bit muddled...Still, the gritty locales, colorful characters and the energy of the film .. Newport This Week
1.5
The film might have had a major emotional impact with audiences if the beats had registered with more strength. El Nuevo Día (Puerto Rico ..
4.5
This one is difficult and imperfect. Its also one that will haunt you. Nuvo
1.5
Here stands the biggest flaw of White Boy Rick It tells the story, straight as an arrow, but forgets that its supposed to entertain, too ... The film ..
3.0
Combining its great performances and beautiful cinematography, the film is certainly worth watching, but at the same time, it is important to keep in .. Next Best Picture



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