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Shot Caller

Play trailer 1:00 Poster for Shot Caller R 2017 2h 0m Crime Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
69% Tomatometer 49 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Recently released from prison, a gang member finds himself forced by his leaders to orchestrate a major crime with a rival gang.
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Shot Caller

Shot Caller

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Critics Consensus

Shot Caller's weakness for action movie clichés is capably offset by strong work from Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in the central role.

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Critics Reviews

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Hannah Strong Little White Lies It seems to glamourise the violence within the prison system, falling back on lazy stereotypes and suggesting that shivving your way to the top can be excused if you have a noble aim. Rated: 2/5 Dec 17, 2017 Full Review Geoffrey Macnab Independent (UK) On many levels, Shot Caller makes no sense whatsoever. Rated: 2/5 Dec 15, 2017 Full Review Kevin Maher The Times (UK) The film is aiming for tough edges, but it's essentially very vanilla. Rated: 2/5 Dec 15, 2017 Full Review Sarah Vincent Sarah G Vincent Views He goes from an image of leisure to discipline. It feels like the male equivalent of a spa day—go to prison and get the body that you always wanted. Jun 9, 2024 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews The better-than-average vibe is heightened and perpetuated by Coster-Waldaus terrific turn as the movies complicated central character... Rated: 3/4 Apr 28, 2022 Full Review Dan Buffa KSDK News (St. Louis) It's a sinister watch and doesn't play out like you initially think, but the surprises and performance from Coster-Waldau helps the film stick its landing. Nov 10, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Balla S I agree with the rave reviews here. I don't know if the prisons in the US are remotely like that portrayed in the film, or how realistic it all is, but in this case I couldn't care less. Marvellously well acted by all, it had me glued to my seat from the get go. I would have given it a 5, but then I'm afraid the actors and directors will give up having accomplished the ultimate score!! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/08/25 Full Review Justin G. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau immerses himself in his character, showcasing a remarkable transformation throughout the movie. His character’s demeanor shifts significantly, reflecting the film’s exploration of compelling themes. The film emphasizes how people become products of their environment, even when they resist it. Despite knowing the long-term consequences, it’s often necessary for immediate survival. Jacob’s transformation highlights the harsh reality of adapting to survive in the present, regardless of social or financial status. The instinct to protect family motivates this transformation. The film also delves into the lengths fathers go for their family’s betterment. Coster-Waldau’s character realized he had crossed a line into becoming “Money” and couldn’t revert to his former self. He had to continue down his chosen path. The film explores the extent to which the human brain is willing to achieve a set goal. It underscores the consequences of choices and the fact that no one is above the law. Prison can break almost anyone, even lifers, drastically altering their lives. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/05/25 Full Review Daniel N Really enjoyed this. Dark and brutal. What you'd expect from a prison movie. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is brilliant. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/05/25 Full Review G B Seen it a few times, little far fetched but it makes sense for his family..... Js Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/28/25 Full Review Ian R Worth watching if you haven't already seen it. The plot is simplistic in many ways despite the twists it tries to set up. It is over loaded with machismo and has a pretentious feel to it. Some of the acting is good, not just the central character but the part played by Jon Bernthal is okay. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/01/25 Full Review Stefan S grate movie, with greater actors, Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/16/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Shot Caller

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Movie Info

Synopsis Recently released from prison, a gang member finds himself forced by his leaders to orchestrate a major crime with a rival gang.
Director
Ric Roman Waugh
Producer
Ric Roman Waugh, Jonathan King, Michel Litvak, Gary Michael Walters
Screenwriter
Ric Roman Waugh
Distributor
Saban Films
Production Co
DirecTV, Bold Films, Relativity Media, Participant Media
Rating
R (Pervasive Language|Brief Nudity|Some Drug Use|Strong Bloody Violence)
Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 18, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 18, 2017
Runtime
2h 0m
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