'White Boy Rick' is a daunting human tale

Disappointment seems to be the prevailing outcome of most films I see these days, and in spite of what appeared like incredible previews and trailers and though I love Matthew McConaughey, I had mediocre expectations at best when entering to see “White Boy Rick.”

But wow, I was surprised and completely overwhelmed however.

The true story, which is set in the somewhat ravished city of 1980s Detroit, was spectacular – raw, vivid and brutally realistic at times, while darkly humorous, subtly unnerving and emotionally gripping at others. The acting was magical across the board.

McConaughey’s performance was remarkably genuine and absolutely compelling, while his two children, played by Richie Merritt and Bel Powley, laid down gut-wrenching and goose bump-producing portrayals – their monumental struggles juxtaposed by desperation-filled efforts to survive their chaos-filled home life.

McConaughey, raising both children on his own, is far from being “father of the year.” His profession as a gun dealer does not exactly entwine him with the “pillars of society,” nor does the resulting lifestyle set a stellar example for his children.

The entire “family” network, including McConaughey’s parents, is as broken or dysfunctional as one could imagine.

Bad language – especially in the first half of the film – is a negative and added nothing noteworthy to the storyline, but this fact, nevertheless, does not come close to diminishing this deeply powerful, sad and gritty story.

Moreover, the writer and director deliver this extremely complex storyline without the unnecessary graphic violence that often accompanies these type of films – making this rendition even more special and leaving the audience spellbound from beginning to end.

Superb wardrobes, as well as a delightful and symbiotic musical score and soundtrack, help to elevate this film to an even higher plateau of brilliance.

“White Boy Rick” is one of the top two films I have seen this year, and it is worthy of multiple Oscar nominations. Missing it would be a grave mistake.

**** 1/2