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.
32 Reviews
Something new in a sea of remakes
Spdracr859 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
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.
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.
Indie thriller, clever comedy
miss-9526513 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
alanakmd6 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
paintchick1128 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.
A world all by itself
big0073 November 2019
Hysterically bad
imdb2-525 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.
Slick New Release Indie
JGReviews5 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.
Good, unfortunately, good for a laugh and that's about it.
maxswami8 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-871-38348725 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!!
A must watch crime thriller
vigilant565 November 2019
Fun crime thriller with depth and charm
davidjzellis23 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.
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.
Grass Roots Indie Evokes 1970's Films
TheAll-SeeingI12 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!)
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!)
Entertaining Indie Crime Thriller
lbruhnca5 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-111 November 2019
What a little gem of a film
craigahrens10 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!!
Stylish and Smart
kjs114429 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!
Great story!
danielbohnen6 December 2019
Neo-noir at it's best!
kraine98-89-6883122 November 2019
Modern film noir fun
directortim201218 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!
Well worth a look!
Anmer9330 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.
Solid Story and Execution
mentalrev13 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.
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.
Fun Indie Thriller
kisiel-12 January 2020
A fun ride!
cbax12318 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!
Good fun at the Grindhouse!
mrdigital132 February 2020
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