White Boy Rick - Review

 

Somber and coated in shades of white and brown, “White Boy Rick” is the latest in the based on a true story genre to cover the life of a drug kingpin. The angle of this story however, is the fact that Rick was sentenced to life in prison after running a cocaine ring in Detroit in excess of eight kilograms, at the age of just seventeen. It’s a story ripe for film, and it mostly succeeds.

Color is used extremely well throughout the film, be it deep blacks or muddy browns. There always seems to be a contrast happening on screen, which in turn helps to strengthen the film’s overall aesthetic, but also works as an allegory to Rick’s life. He’s a white man dealing drugs in Detroit in the 80’s. he’s the only white man doing so in his neighborhood, and he knows that this sets him apart. As one of the characters tells him early on, “If we get sent down, we’re doing black time. If you do, you’re doing white time.”

This dynamic is examined throughout the film, with Rick’s friends, business partners, and love interests all being used to play with the idea of privilege and power in crime. It doesn’t always communicate its points smoothly, but the attempt is worth acknowledging and appreciating.

Matthew McConaughey (“The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Magic Mike”) continues to show off his southern draw and excellent acting, with virtually the entire cast performing their roles excellently. No one is more noteworthy than Richie Merritt, as the young man completely steals the show in his first ever film role as Rick. He manages to hold his own and then some against the film’s heavy hitters, and succeeds in bringing warmth and humor to the young kingpin.

For most of the film, though, these actors are given a script that tries its best. It isn’t bad, and there are quite a few times where lines and metaphors are reused to great effect. But some of the dialogue and scenes showing Rick and his friends as they grow up feel weightless.

It’s a shame because in the third act, the filmmakers manage to build a wonderful sense of tension, with the pacing and script coming together flawlessly. It’s a shame it couldn’t have happened earlier in the film.

On that note, the film’s pacing is also affected negatively for most of the film, as it drags a majority of the film. It doesn’t make it unwatchable or even bad, but it does turn a two-hour film into one that feels closer to two-and-a-half-hours.

The ending leaves the most to be desired. It’s impossible to tell what exactly the filmmakers wanted it to achieve. It isn’t bad, but its merely confusing, ending on a somber note before seemingly trying to cheer the audience up with end credits “where are they now” styled details.

In the end, “White Boy Rick” is a flawed film that is, at the very least, engaging. It’s wonky pacing and uneven script are carried through to the end thanks to powerful performances from the entire cast. Richie Merritt especially proves that he is one to watch in the future, and he is the reason “White Boy Rick” remains a good time. 3.5/5