Shot Caller is a solidly made film. There isn't anything earth shattering here. The story is a bit generic, and there are some implausible moments. However, the heart of this film lies in the performances of the actors. They all buy in, and it's nothing short of mesmerizing. I have always said that I do not care if a film treads familiar ground, as long as the screenplay and direction are up to the task. Of course, one cannot talk about performances without zeroing in on the lead actor. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau does a tremendous job as his character makes the heartbreaking transformation from upper middle class, white collar citizen to hardened criminal and gang leader. It's hard to watch him slip into an abyss of violence, murder, and hopelessness. Make no mistake about it. This film does not glorify these crimes that Coster-Waldau's character commits. However, what is evident, is that he went from being a guy who had to do some bad things just to survive, to a guy who seems to relish the idea of weilding his power to invoke fear in anyone who dares to cross him. Like I said...heartbreaking. But quite compelling as well. If you're looking for a solidly made crime-drama that may have eluded you until now, you could certainly do much worse than Shot Caller. As always, this is just my opinion.
- This is an update to discuss the review by lynne-943-341908 above. This reviewer has been a member 10 years, and they have written 4 reviews. Guess how many have been negative. All of them. I have no problem a negative review. However, I do have a problem with self righteousness and arrogance. I also found the review insulting. This person thinks those of us who liked it don't know anything. I guess her and her husband have to have a mediocre film where things blow up real good and such. Perhaps they'd prefer films like the transformers films by Michael Bay. Not that those are bad films. They're more their cup of tea I guess.