‘White Boy Rick’ tells an interesting story, but does so very, very slowly

Posted on September 21, 2018

By MARK VIOLA

Back in the mid-1980s, Richard Wershe Jr. was living in Detroit, Mich., with his father, Richard Wershe Sr., and his sister Dawn. Instead of going to school, he was selling guns, selling drugs and hanging out with some very connected criminals in the city’s underground. Along the way, he was also informing for the FBI. Oh, and he was just 14.

His incredible true story is told in the new film “White Boy Rick,” starring newcomer Richie Meritt as Rick and Matthew McConaughey (“The Dark Tower”) as his father. Directed by Yann Demange (“’71”), the film benefits from some strong performances, especially from the two leads, but falters with an unfortunately slow third act that makes it feel much longer than its 110-minute runtime.

Rick Sr. sells guns, barely managing to keep a roof over his family’s head. One day, Rick Jr. befriends Johnny Curry (Jonathan Majors, “Hostiles”), who runs his own criminal gang, with connections going straight to the top of a corrupt city government. Unfortunately, both the local police and the FBI, led by Agent Snyder (Jennifer Jason Leigh, “The Hateful Eight”), want what Rick knows, and are willing to provide him drugs to sell to make a name for himself.

For a first-time actor, Merritt is amazing in this movie. He plays someone who was raised to make a quick buck no matter the legality, and who find himself seduced by both the money and respect his newfound criminal pursuits offer. Meanwhile, McConaughey delivers one of his patented performances, mixing in the freewheeling style we’ve come to love, while also grounding it in a person who truly wants to provide for his family, even if he goes about it is some of the worst ways possible.

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