American Mobster: Miami Shakedown is a gritty, low-budget crime drama that plunges viewers into the underbelly of Miami’s small-time mob scene. Directed by Marcus Dreeke and written by Nino Cimino, the film follows Nick Romano, a young Italian-American caught between loyalty, love, and survival. With his partner Carlo, Nick navigates hustling, street-level crime, and a tense relationship with his girlfriend Vanessa, all while trying to stay in the good graces of a powerful local crime boss.
The film has a raw, unpolished energy that is evident in both its production and performances. Nino Cimino, who also plays Nick, delivers a portrayal of a conflicted gangster trying to reconcile his criminal lifestyle with personal ambitions. Carlo, played by Marco Arras, adds a chaotic energy to the dynamic, often pushing the story into mob wars over territory in Miami. Elizabeth Mae, as Vanessa, provides a grounded performance and stands out in a cast otherwise dominated by over-the-top Italian mobster caricatures. Brittani Noel and Carmelita Hughes add moments of risqué tension, fitting the TV-MA rating with their scenes of sex and nudity.
The movie leans heavily into classic mob clichés—“territory,” “respect,” “stick ball”—and the dialogue often feels like an affectionate homage to the genre rather than a fresh take. Action sequences are staged with obvious budget constraints; fights and shootouts rarely feel dangerous, and the sound mixing occasionally underlines the DIY nature of the production. Even so, there’s a certain charm in watching a film that clearly leans on enthusiasm and ambition rather than technical polish.
Veteran actors like Frank Stallone and Robert Miano make appearances that, while limited, add a hint of gravitas to an otherwise street-level narrative. The film’s straightforward structure—Nick trying to protect his loved ones while negotiating the dangers of the criminal world—keeps the story easy to follow, even if the pacing occasionally falters.
Ultimately, American Mobster: Miami Shakedown is a small-scale, cliche-driven gangster story with a DIY feel. While it lacks the polish, acting finesse, and suspense of mainstream mafia films, it will appeal to viewers intrigued by low-budget crime dramas and the colorful energy of Miami’s underworld. It’s far from a classic, but it has enough heart, ambition, and chaotic fun to hold attention for its 84-minute runtime.
Jessie Hobson