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Mood:
- CleverWittyCynicalContemplativeHumorousSuspensefulTense
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Plot:
- Criminal HeroesForgeryCons and ScamsCrimesDishonestyPartnersCrime Gone AwryManipulations
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Genres:
- CrimeIndependentThriller
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Time/Period:
- Contemporary21st Century
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Place:
- Los Angeles
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Audience:
- Boys' Night
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Style:
- Twists and Turns
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Based on:
- Remake
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Attitudes:
- Semi SeriousRealistic
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Flag:
- Profanity
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Criminal, 2004
English, Spanish
USA
Profile of Criminal
Criminal can be described as cynical, clever, and witty. The plot revolves around forgery, cons and scams, and criminal heroes. The main genres are independent, crime, and thriller. In terms of style, Criminal involves twists and turns. In approach, it is realistic. It is located in Los Angeles. Criminal takes place in contemporary times. It is a remake. It is well suited for a boys' night. Note that Criminal involves profanity.
Summary of Criminal
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.
Details
| Language: | English, Spanish |
| Country: | USA |
| Release date: | 7 October 2004 |
| Runtime: | 87 min |
Cast and Crew
as Richard Gaddis
as Rodrigo
as Valerie
Photos
Clips
Critics Reviews
Los Angeles Times
Captures Los Angeles in a straightforward, naturalistic way, neighborhood-hopping like a native.
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- by: Carina Chocano
Users Reviews
The obligatory big twist isn't so clever and the characters, while well-portrayed, run too close to formula to ever pop out as real people. Still, "Criminal" is a fun ride and capably crafted. Recommended for genre fans.
- 11.April.2010
- |
- by: Mike
- Mike rated this movie
0/10
Enjoyable flick, although for most of it I felt like the casting was "off", somehow. By the end I realized it was because the lead role is a tough character to pin--he's gotta be just likeable enough for you to want to watch, but at the same time,...
- 22.February.2010
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- by: alexremy
- alexremy rated this movie7/10Good
