Criminal: Movie Review
The talent involved with “Criminal”, both in front of and behind the camera is definitely an interesting mix. Director Ariel Vromen delivered the compelling 2012 crime-thriller, “The Iceman”. Writers Douglas Cook and David Weisberg were behind “The Rock” (1996) and “Double Jeopardy” (1999). Those were two pretty big films, but after that, they seemed to have vanished (Until Now). “Criminal” is a generic, sci-fi, action flick that boasts a cast that’s way too good to be wasted on something so mediocre. However, it is the cast that actually makes the material bearable.
The story begins with CIA operative Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds in an extended cameo), on the run from bad guys who are after something he has. Unfortunately for Pope, they catch and torture him, resulting in his death. Pope’s superior, Quaker Wells (Gary Oldman) needs the dead operative’s memories and thanks to Dr. Franks (Tommy Lee Jones), he is able to implant Pope’s memories into that of deranged criminal Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner). Sound stupid enough for you yet? No? ok, it gets really idiotic, TRUST ME!
Jericho is able to escape the custody of the CIA using the skills he acquired from Pope’s memory. These memories include Pope’s address where his widow Jill (Gal Gadot) and daughter reside. Of course Pope’s humanity will begin to influence Jericho and he will finally care about someone other than himself.
There is also this whole mission going on as well, in which the CIA is trying to locate a computer hacker nicknamed The Dutchman (Michael Pitt), who had made a deal with Pope before he was killed. The Dutchman has a flash-drive that could cause massive damage if the bad guys get their hands on it.
“Criminal” is not terrible, but it’s not good either. The solid cast keeps it afloat but that’s all they are able to do. This may not be a Luc Besson production, but if you are entertained by the “Taken” franchise, or films like “3 Days to Kill”, and “Lucy”, then this just might be the movie for you.
By: Marc Ferman
