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Criminal (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:34
Fresh:26
Rotten:8
Average Rating:6.7/10
Consensus: If you saw Nine Queens, it may feel redundant, but the snappy performances make it fun to watch.
Synopsis: Richard Gaddis (John C. Reilly) is a Los Angeles con man in search of a new partner. Enter Rodrigo (Diego Luna), a young grifter pulling minor scams in a casino. When Rodrigo is caught by a savvy... Richard Gaddis (John C. Reilly) is a Los Angeles con man in search of a new partner. Enter Rodrigo (Diego Luna), a young grifter pulling minor scams in a casino. When Rodrigo is caught by a savvy waitress who senses his scheme, Richard steps in, posing as an undercover cop, and escorts him out. Much to Rodrigo's surprise, Richard asks him to be his partner-in-crime. Over the next 48 hours, their skills are put to the test as Richard is given a potentially lucrative chance to deliver a counterfeit bank note to a wealthy guest (Peter Mullan) at the hotel where his sister, Valerie (Maggie Gyllenhaal), is the concierge. But is he trustworthy, or is Rodrigo just another one of his unwitting marks? This tricky debut from director Gregory Jacobs is a remake of the 2002 Argentinean film NINE QUEENS. Pulling off the difficult stunt of making the audience gleefully root for a pair of criminals, the script is tight and surprising, making it genuinely difficult to determine who is conning whom in a story in which everyone seems to be on the make. The always-impressive Reilly takes on a lead role with the bravado one would expect after a string of brilliant supporting turns. [More]
Starring: John C. Reilly, Diego Luna, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jonathan Tucker
Starring: John C. Reilly, Diego Luna, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jonathan Tucker, Peter Mullan, Zitto Kazann, Malik Yoba
Director: Gregory Jacobs
Director: Gregory Jacobs
Screenwriter: Gregory Jacobs, Sam Lowry
Producer: George Clooney, Steven Soderbergh
Composer: Alex Wurman
Studio: Warner Independent
Reviews for Criminal
Jacobs -- who for many years was Soderbergh's assistant director -- keeps things moving at a sprightly pace, and cinematographer Chris Menges does a terrific job of capturing L.A. in all its mercurial glory.
This is a chance for Reilly to strut his stuff -- so good he ought to be illegal -- in harmony or against the grain with a variety of terrific character actors.
Follows the original fairly closely, and because I already knew the plot secrets, it couldn't work on me in its intended way. As the recycled characters, dialog and events turned up, there seemed to be an echo in the room.
We know someone is pulling something, and someone is going to get away with something, and someone is going to be left holding the bag of cheese, but Jacobs keeps us on our toes.
John C. Reilly stars as a gimlet-eyed con man in this clever and diverting adaptation of the Argentine thriller Nine Queens.
Latest News for Criminal
October 21, 2005:
Clooney Prepares for "Wind Chill"
George Clooney's Section 8 shingle will produce a horror thriller entitled "Wind Chill," says Variety. "Criminal" director Gregory Jacobs will be behind the... More...
December 22, 2003:
The script works in spades overall, bringing viewers an enjoyable look into this shadowy world and making it truly something that can be termed "con artistry." ![]()
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