Is Shakedown Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Shakedown is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 93 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Shakedown Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Shakedown emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When a local drug dealer shoots a dishonest cop in self-defense, lawyer and renegade undercover cop join forces to clear him. Unlike standard genre fare, Shakedown attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shakedown features a noteworthy lineup led by Peter Weller . Supported by the likes of Sam Elliott and Patricia Charbonneau , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Shakedown (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Shakedown Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Shakedown is a Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Shakedown Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Shakedown attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Shakedown reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Shakedown Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Shakedown incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, drama, thriller, mystery film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Shakedown adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Shakedown?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Shakedown Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $10.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Shakedown Budget
The estimated production budget for Shakedown is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Shakedown
- Peter Weller – Roland Dalton
- Sam Elliott – Richie Marks
- Patricia Charbonneau – Susan Cantrell
- Antonio Fargas – Nicky 'N.C.' Carr
- Blanche Baker – Gail Feinberger
Top Highlights
Peter WellerRoland Dalton
Sam ElliottRichie Marks
Patricia CharbonneauSusan Cantrell
Antonio FargasNicky 'N.C.' Carr
Blanche BakerGail Feinberger
John C. McGinleySean Phillips
Richard BrooksMichael Jones
Jude CiccolellaPatrick O'Leary
Thomas G. WaitesOfficer Kelly
Daryl EdwardsDr. Watson
Where to Watch Shakedown Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Shakedown is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Shakedown stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shakedown movie hit or flop?
Shakedown has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Shakedown worth watching?
Shakedown is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Crime, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Shakedown online?
Shakedown may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Shakedown Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Shakedown
"Shakedown" is much too unremarkable for its own good and obviously somebody somewhere must have realised this so in order to effectively remedy such an unwanted situation somebody somewhere has deemed it appropriate that the film ought to be modelled more upon the box office hit "Lethal Weapon" (1987). So this means we are frequently subjected to an assortment of deliberately eye catching action sequences and stunts. No problem there, you might think. After all, the sequences in question have been incredibly well executed and they do successfully enliven what is a generally unmemorable motion picture experience. However, they are also outrageously laughable and they unquestionably sabotage the more realistic qualities being striven for elsewhere. The film also isn't helped by the fact Peter Weller's and Sam Elliott's characters Roland Dalton and Richie Marks are so completely mismatched they actually look as though they belong in separate films and by bringing them together here leaves us with an unholy mess on our hands.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
