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Criminal, 2004

Criminal

English, Spanish

USA

Rating:6.5
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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: 12 June 2004
Runtime: 87 min

Cast and Crew

John C. Reilly as Richard Gaddis in Criminal
John C. Reilly

as Richard Gaddis

Diego Luna as Rodrigo in Criminal
Diego Luna

as Rodrigo

Maggie Gyllenhaal as Valerie in Criminal
Maggie Gyllenhaal

as Valerie

Photos

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Criminal (2004)
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Criminal (2004)
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Criminal (2004)
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Criminal (2004)
Diego Luna in Criminal (2004)
Diego Luna in Criminal (2004)
John C. Reilly and Diego Luna in Criminal (2004)
John C. Reilly and Diego Luna in Criminal (2004)
John C. Reilly and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Criminal (2004)
John C. Reilly and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Criminal (2004)
John C. Reilly and Diego Luna in Criminal (2004)
John C. Reilly and Diego Luna in Criminal (2004)

Clips

Criminal
Criminal: Theatrical

Critics Reviews

Los Angeles Times
Captures Los Angeles in a straightforward, naturalistic way, neighborhood-hopping like a native.

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.
Better by the end
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,...
Likely to see
Not for me

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