White Boy Rick is a film that I didn’t think I would be watching. Looking at the previews, it just didn’t look at all positive. It wasn’t.

I found myself watching it the other day and just couldn’t turn away. This film is based on the true story of Rick Wershe Jr. a teenager that was recruited by the FBI to help them bust some drug dealers. Other than his age, what is the big deal… right?

Well, they sort of trapped him into doing it because he was trying to avoid them arresting his father under gun charges. Not only that, they set him up as a drug dealer! Yes, the FBI put this kid in business as a drug dealer promising him and his father that they would protect him.

I won’t spoil the story if you haven’t seen it, but this film (more of a dramatic documentary than film) will hold your attention and cause a visceral emotional response.

Matthew McConaughey turned in another excellent job as the father,  and Richie Merritt was top notch as well. Strangely enough, this is one time when the actual subject of the film (Rick Wershe) is actually better looking than the actor who portrayed him. I’m guessing that is because the real White Boy Rick would have looked out of place in a story about drug dealing in Detroit where Merritt appeared to fit right in.

The dismal view this film portrays of this family’s options, outlook and story are like watching a train wreck in slow motion. It is heart-wrenching but hard to turn away.

by Chris Doelle

RATING 8 out of 10