Shady White (2019) User Reviews

Something new in a sea of remakes

[Spdracr85 · 8/10 · 9 November 2019]

Full disclosure, I'm a huge British Noir and American Mob flick fan. In this light, the film did not disappoint. Has it all: generational crime family, crooked cops, witty criminals, blackmail, etc ... On the contrary, there's a cheesy comedic edge, but it seems purposeful? Ever so, the characters really pull you in only to say something off beat. You be the judge. It's not off putting, just something different. One major plus to this movie: well thought out soundtrack follows each scene. Ever see the epic bar fight scene from Knockaround Guys?! Vin gives a career pacing speech only to have the worst song play as they start hammering. But I digress.

Bottom line, in a stuffy elevator full of 1950 big budget remakes, Shady White is fresh air. Movies like Dolemite and Shady White prove you don't need big dollars to make good flicks. This movie was written for the audience and it shows.

If I'm to put my finger on it, Kirkpatrick carries a Guy Ritchie flare to his directing. If he or the cast happens to read this, great work! Let's see more Shady White. We need a back story.

Great crime caper in the South

[debijohess · 8/10 · 4 November 2019]

Great crime caper flick shot in my home state, Arkansas. I was impressed with the great production value of this film. The cinematography is excellent and the location shots are very dramatic and indeed look just like Arkansas. The plot will keep you invested and the performances are quite good as well. Overall, just well made and engaging. Give it a look. Hope to see more from this director.

Indie thriller, clever comedy

[miss-95265 · 8/10 · 13 December 2019]

At just under an hour and a half long, this film draws you in and bolts ahead. I'm a Tarantino fan, and some of the other reviews that compare this to his films are accurate (but without Tarantino's over the top gore, which I appreciate). A classic-but-not-really whodunit, with some really interesting characters & dry humor to keep it light in unexpected ways, with clever dialogue and great casting. Clayton Miller makes a great Shady White! Add to the mix murder, cops, the mob, a love interest, and it's worth a watch.

Crime thriller with humor

[alanakmd · 9/10 · 6 November 2019]

I was thoroughly entertained by this film. The lead actor was great and the cinematorgaphy enhanced the gritty feeling of the film. I love when a film like this has an injection of humor - the witty, dry dialogue will have you smirking throughout. Very much enjoyed!

So bad we kept watching

[paintchick11 · 1/10 · 28 December 2019]

Without a doubt, the other reviews were written by someone associated with the making of this turkey. We watch lots of movies, and enjoy indie films. Not one single person has any acting skills whatsoever. The main character can't even stand still convincingly. The storyline isn't terrible, it's shot pretty well, and the music is well done. I would highly recommend that if they proceed to make more films, they need to 1) use a writer that can write real dialog that makes sense, and 2) NOT cast themselves and their buddies. Find real actors, because this was painful.

Slick New Release Indie

[JGReviews · 9/10 · 5 November 2019]

Shady White is a new release indie film involving guns, murder, the mob, and corrupt cops. Everyone is out to get each other and I was definitely entertained. The film maintained my interest throughout and I appreciated the dry wit and sarcasm as well. I enjoy indies like this, and while they may not have the multi-million dollar budgets and A list actors, they usually make up for it with creativity and originality. If you like films like that, then I'd definitely recommend giving Shady White a watch.

Hysterically bad

[imdb2-5 · 1/10 · 25 January 2020]

There are times when you wonder how films get funded. Perhaps some incredibly wealthy young person thinks they are filmmaker. Who knows? From the opening block font credits and terrible camera angles and shots... This is a total fail. I will kill the s*** out of you! That's a sample of the dialogue. I don't think there is a character in this crap fest that could act their way out of prison. I'm laughing at the other reviewer who said that all these reviews are fake, probably the actors in the movie, and that even the protagonist can't stand up straight. It's no exaggeration. I'm so thankful for video on demand or you can just look for something else as soon as it's apparent how bad and amateurish this film really is on every level.

A world all by itself

[big007 · 9/10 · 3 November 2019]

Shady white is a great title a small town gangster unique characters and I like the tone and the beat of the movie in a world all by itself and worth the watch.

Good, unfortunately, good for a laugh and that's about it.

[maxswami · 1/10 · 8 January 2020]

This movie's plot was about as cliche and predictable as..... something that's really cliche and predictable.. The acting on the other hand, well.... That is also bad, no surprise. Usually a movie albeit low-budget will have at least one good actor in this case, that is not the case. Bad writing, bad directing, bad acting, stink-pile are just a few phrases that some this all up.

Awesome film noir thriller

[bohemianpirate-871-383487 · 9/10 · 25 November 2019]

Shady White was a total surprise! Great find. This film is reminiscent of a 70's mob drama but is still fresh and exciting. I really dug the look of the film and the lead performances. If you like a stylish films and film noir genre, this is for you. Awesome movie!!

Grass Roots Indie Evokes 1970's Films

[TheAll-SeeingI · 8/10 · 12 November 2019]

From the onset of its initial music and the yesteryear typeface of its opening credits, "Shady White" aesthetically evokes the film and television of 1970's Middle America, yet keeps its actual storytelling rooted in modern times. This is a rural American strong-arm tale; a knowingly campy and homespun indie crime jaunt featuring a Nixon-era muting of colors in its post-production finish, and an across-the-board acting contrivance owing a debt of gratitude to the earliest "Dirty Harry" movies.

Clayton Miller plays the film's drifting, small town gangster namesake. Shady White is indeed white, yet dresses in all-black suits evoking everyman hero Johnny Cash. Miller vaguely comes off like an Americanized Gabriel Byrne in appearance, and spouts a consistent, world-weary apathy. After being off the boss's payroll for a year, he's sucked back in to protect himself and the gal he still loves. Along the way, we encounter a slew of tiny-town, motel-housed crime urchins, all of whom are bent on projecting the bravado and savvy of Al Capone's most battle-tested underlings.

"Shady White" is indie filmmaking at a true grass roots level. Tonally, we somehow expect to see Starsky and Hutch driving by in their mid-1970's Gran Torino. Intended or otherwise, those still around from those times are most likely to appreciate the film's unexpected throwback evocations, and the collective effort demonstrated in conjuring its specific feel. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

A must watch crime thriller

[vigilant56 · 9/10 · 5 November 2019]

Shady White is a fast pace action pack film with many layers. I love the stylistic way the film is shot and the story telling choices that the Director makes. Two thumps up for me!

Fun crime thriller with depth and charm

[davidjzellis · 9/10 · 23 November 2019]

So First of all Clayton Miller who plays the titular Shady White looks a bit like a young Rob Lowe and touches of Matt Dillon which I found pretty interesting.

This is one of those films where the Director and his entire team has a good grasp on understanding of cinema as apparently this film did not have a huge budget but with that limited budget they sure squeezed out every penny as it has impressive production value to it.

It's got that southern crime feel of say the show "Justified" with storytelling elements of Sodebergh or Guy Ritchie's gangster films with quirky characters with depth.

Entertaining Indie Crime Thriller

[lbruhnca · 9/10 · 5 December 2019]

I love crime thriller movies, and it's refreshing to watch one with some comedic moments to break up the tension. I was drawn in because of the lead Shady being falsely accused - what a nightmare that would be! The film reminded me a bit of The Fugitive movie in that sense. The filmmakers did a good job with the casting, the cast did a good job portraying the characters. As Shady dodges the cops, mob, and his exes, while trying to clear his name and find the real killer I found myself wondering what would happen next all throughout the film.

A Shady White Classic.

[harriscalvin-1 · 10/10 · 11 November 2019]

Oh Shady, oh Shady. What a good movie. A classic throwback to films of the past. I truly enjoyed this film. This film will surely take you for a ride with several twist and turns. A must watch.

Stylish and Smart

[kjs1144 · 9/10 · 29 November 2019]

Shady White is a great movie, with a cool vibe. It all starts with the iconic main character, Shady White. He is very unique and original, confident and cocky. The pacing of this movie is excellent. The acting is solid all the way around from the entire cast. The movie also has some really funny moments, it's a ver enjoyable watch. I highly recommend this one!

What a little gem of a film

[craigahrens · 9/10 · 10 November 2019]

I thought this film was just terrific! You some times don't know quite what to expect from an indie film but... but this little gem delivered the goods. I really liked the story and the cast. I think casting did a really strong job in assembling a fun group of people to watch. They certainly held my interest. Very good camera work, my hat's off to them! My roots connect to Blytheville so it was fun seeing a film shot in Arkansas! Good for the "Shady White" team. Job well done!!

Modern film noir fun

[directortim2012 · 9/10 · 18 November 2019]

I really enjoyed this film! It had a great 70's vibe, which I loved. It reminded me a little of the Safdie Brothers film, Good Time, with Robert Pattison. It has that kind of realistic edge to it. Shady White has an old school film noir type plot, but with a more modern setting and sensibility. Suspenseful, but with sly touches of comedy. Well done and just a lot of fun!

Great story!

[danielbohnen · 10/10 · 6 December 2019]

I loved the cinematography, the characters were great and unique. Definitely worth a watch!

Neo-noir at it's best!

[kraine98-89-68831 · 8/10 · 22 November 2019]

Has all the pulp of Tarantino, with some cool twists, Right from the start we are drawn in, Good cast good film making. If your a fan of this type of movie you will be very satisfied.

Fun Indie Thriller

[kisiel-1 · 8/10 · 2 January 2020]

Captivating indie mystery/thriller with nice production value and some unexpected surprises. I really enjoyed it!

Well worth a look!

[Anmer93 · 9/10 · 30 November 2019]

I suppose one could argue this isn't as slick as the biggest blockbusters in the genre, but give this a go. Real inventive moments, exciting sequences, a great sense of humour and really fun performances. This is an indie thriller well worth a look.

A fun ride!

[cbax123 · 8/10 · 18 December 2019]

Get ready for a rollercoaster of a ride with a new twist every time you think you have the film figured out. This is a wonderful indie thriller that not only keeps you full of suspense but also interjects humor at the right times. Would recommend!

Solid Story and Execution

[mentalrev · 8/10 · 13 January 2020]

Clayton Miller is great as the lead character Shady White, his performance is effortless and stands out in this ensemble cast. The story was original and the cast of characters made for an exciting romp in the world of organized, or unorganized depending on the character, crime.

The film kept my attention with solid production value, great camera work and music as well. I felt this was a surprisingly good indie crime thriller.

Good fun at the Grindhouse!

[mrdigital13 · 10/10 · 2 February 2020]

Robert Kirkpatrick's Shady White is a hip, cool, bad to the bone Robert Rodriguez Grindhouse flick, staring Clayton Miller as the title character channeling Bruce Campbell at his smarmiest! Great fun!