Make A New Year’s Resolution To Watch This Underrated 2017 Crime Thriller On Tubi

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As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for gritty crime dramas, I can wholeheartedly recommend “Shot Caller” to fellow cinephiles. Having spent countless hours watching Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s stellar performance as Jaime Lannister in “Game of Thrones”, it was a delight to witness his transformation into the complex character of Jacob Harlon.

Director Ric Roman Waugh, known for Greenland, crafted an underappreciated and less-watched 2017 crime thriller titled Shot Caller. Beginning January 1, 2025, you can watch it free of charge on Tubi. The film narrates the story of a man fresh out of prison, compelled by his gang leader to orchestrate a significant crime with a rival group.

In this movie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau from “Game of Thrones” portrays Jacob Harlon, initially depicted as a prosperous family man and thriving stockbroker. After committing a fatal DUI, Jacob finds himself incarcerated under a plea bargain, realizing he must battle to stay alive. His behavior catches the eye of a criminal group known as PEN1, who then recruit him. Rising through their ranks, he gains the moniker “Money.

After a while, he gets moved from the Californian Institute for Men to a state prison where “The Beast” (played by Holt McCallany in Lights Out) appoints him as his second-in-command. Later, The Beast instructs Jacob to join forces with the rival gang, Sureños, once he’s out. Despite his hesitation, due to The Beast’s threats against his family, Jacob is compelled to comply with this order.

The Cast and Tense Storyline Make ‘Shot Caller’ Worth Watching

In this revised version, the movie titled “Shot Caller” follows the character Jacob as he tries to fulfill his obligations while serving parole. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has earned a 69% approval rating from critics, but fans have given it an 81%. The cast delivers exceptional performances, with Coster-Waldau playing Jacob and Jon Bernthal (known for his role as “The Punisher“) portraying a fellow gang member. Additionally, the movie boasts Waugh’s skillful writing and direction. Both critics and fans concur that the film is gloomy and foreboding. The rest of the impressive cast includes Lake Bell playing Jacob’s wife, Omari Hardwick, Jeffrey Donovan, Benjamin Bratt, and Emorey Cohen.

Indeed, the core of this movie revolves around Coster-Waldau’s impressive acting. His portrayal, transforming the character of Jacob from a calm office worker into a ruthless prison associate named Money, is captivating. This transformation leaves viewers in no doubt about its authenticity.

The movie didn’t make a big impact at the box office; it had its initial screening at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 16, 2017. It was also released on DirecTV Cinema on July 20 and hit theaters via Saban Films a month later. The film Shot Caller has managed to find an audience through various streaming services, and will be available on Tubi from January 1, 2025.

Writer-director Waugh continued his work by helming “Angel Has Fallen” (2019), the follow-up to the 2013 film “Olympus Has Fallen” and its 2016 sequel, “London Has Fallen”, both starring Gerard Butler. Additionally, he directed the hit survival thriller “Greenland” (2020) featuring Butler as well. A second installment of “Greenland” is slated for release in early 2025, and a third film based on the franchise is currently under development.

Originally, Waugh was meant to direct the follow-up to the 1993 movie “Cliffhanger” starring Sylvester Stallone. However, both the director and Stallone himself have parted ways from the project. Now, Pierce Brosnan and Lily James are taking on leading roles, with Jaume Collet-Serra (“Non-Stop”) stepping in as the new director. Due to significant changes in the storyline, it might be misleading to label this a sequel, considering Stallone won’t make an appearance.

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2024-12-27 01:33