R.I.C.C.O.

When I write reviews categorize the movies and studio, independent and low budget indie where the film maker makes a film for ten pr fifteen thousand dollars. Compared to Hollywood this film would fall apart but compared to other films that I've seen at various film festivals and student film festivals. The lighting is good, the acting is okay, the writing is above average and the story is somewhat creative but of course there are a lot of areas where they could have made some improvements but for a student film I would say it was a great effort and I look for these film makers to come out with a second project having learned and gained valuable experience the first time around. I saw this film a while back at the San Francisco Film Festival and the audience reaction was mixed until we learned how much they spent on the film ten thousand and the film was shot in twenty-three days with a amateur cast and crew so to complete a film under those circumstances my hat goes of to those guys. Having said all that I recommend renting the R.I.C.C.O. mainly in the spirit of endorsing independent film making.

The movie was put together pretty well for a low budget film. Some of the scenes and the acting wasn't up to par but was good enough for this level of movie. The writing, editing and directing was a little better than you would expect from these little films. I've been to Detroit frequently and you can see a lot of great shots from the inner city to the surrounding suburbs which to some might be worth watching just for the tour alone. Its like taking a trip to the motor city without having to actually go there. If you are a fan of low budget independent film then this one is for you but if you're looking for special effects and computer generated images than skip this selection. Overall on a low budget movie rating scale I'll give it an eight out of ten.

If you like "Usual Suspects" or thriller type movies where you have to guess who the unknown villain is then you will love R.I.C.C.O. The movie has a lot of comedic scenes ala Pulp Fiction. I saw this movie on DVD and it also has extras that may interest you. The music isn't all that great and it never is in movies that have limited budgets but it really wasn't that bad. Some of the acting and direction was pretty good but there were a few scenes that they could have left on the cutting room floor. In the movie you'll see all the good and bad areas that Detroit has to offer. All and all I recommended this movie to all of my friends who were very impressed with this film.

R.I.C.C.O is Shawn Woodard's first film. Obviously it's a low budget indie production, but shows Woodard's skill as an upcoming director. He drags the audience into his story! Great characters, gripping story. Have a look yourself :)

RICCO was quite entertaining for a straight-to-video independent film. I thought the title and story were clever ( RICCO- the Federal racketeering statute enacted to capture mafia and drug-lords on money-laundering charges in hopes of obtaining affidavits for other crimes like murder etc. that were committed.) I also liked the the way the attorney character was brave yet clever in a Columbo-like way.

This has a much more intelligent plot unlike the other films in this genre like "I got the hook- up", "state property", and "cook-out" whose plots are predictable, unimaginative and stereotypical.

I am looking forward to seeing more from this filmmaker as their budgets increase.

This movie is definitely for those who are fans of independent films. This is exactly the kind of film that should be entered into the Hollywood Film Festival, as it was created on a shoe- string budget, but shows that the creators have a lot of potential.