Watch Don't Shoot

Don't Shoot is a 2017 independent film that deals with the controversial topic of police brutality in the United States. The film tells the story of Calvin Smith (played by Omar Gooding), an African-American man who is wrongfully targeted by a police officer during a traffic stop. The incident escalates quickly and leaves Calvin paralyzed from the waist down. After the lawsuit against the police department fails, Calvin and his friend Peter (played by Ian Haywood) decide to take matters into their own hands and seek justice through vigilantism.

The film opens with a graphic and unsettling scene, showing an unarmed young black man being shot multiple times by a police officer. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, which focuses on the deep-seated racial tensions and injustices that exist in America's law enforcement system. Calvin, a hard-working father and husband, is shown as a victim of these injustices, which threatens to completely destroy his life and family.

Despite his physical challenges, Calvin refuses to give up and becomes determined to fight back against the system that has wronged him. Ian Haywood's character, Peter, serves as Calvin's loyal friend and support system, aiding him in his mission to bring justice to corrupt police officers. Brandy Specks plays the role of Calvin's wife, who offers him emotional support throughout the film and proves to be a crucial factor in Calvin's fight for justice.

Although the film has some elements of action and suspense, it is primarily a message-driven drama that tackles serious issues and provides commentary on the current state of law enforcement in the country. There are no excessive explosions or car chases, but there are several powerful scenes that will leave viewers emotionally affected.

The film's direction and cinematography are relatively simple, but effective in conveying the emotion and gravity of the story. The use of handheld cameras and close-ups during intense moments makes the viewer feel as though they are in the moment with the characters. The production value of the film is a testament to the filmmakers' abilities to create an impactful and thought-provoking narrative on a limited budget.

One of the film's strongest aspects is the performances of the actors. Omar Gooding delivers a powerful and convincing portrayal of a man who has been wronged by the system and is fighting to make things right. Ian Haywood's character acts as an effective foil to Calvin's more emotional and impulsive personality, providing a sense of balance to the story. Brandy Specks is also impressive as the loving and supportive wife, who provides a humanizing touch to the often bleak plot.

Overall, Don't Shoot is a well-made and important film that tackles complex themes and provides an emotional and thought-provoking experience. Its message is clear and impactful, and the film serves as a call to action for viewers to become more engaged in creating a fairer and more just society. While the film's subject matter can be harrowing at times, it is ultimately a story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the power of the human spirit to effect change.

Don't Shoot is a 2017 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.