Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Criminal (2016)

8

MalletApr 25, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Criminal is similar to the bourne and spy action thrillers. The cast delivers, the plot is clever and there is plenty of exciting action scenes.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

ClepsydraApr 16, 2022

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0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

Momentum78Mar 14, 2022

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1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

MLRJan 30, 2022

Never a dull moment... this was almost a modern retelling of Frankenstein, with a great twist. I really enjoyed this film, even though I am an actual neuroscientist.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021

This is a pretty decent sci-fi thriller film with a good cast, set in London. There are some scenes with quite bloody violence and the suspense is pretty good. The plot is a little unlikely, suffice to say but there are some interesting partsThis is a pretty decent sci-fi thriller film with a good cast, set in London. There are some scenes with quite bloody violence and the suspense is pretty good. The plot is a little unlikely, suffice to say but there are some interesting parts to it. Its a reasonably good watch, a mix of sci-fi and thriller, with action elements too. There are worse films, there are better. It's not something likely to stay with you for any particular length of time, so I wouldn't recommend it as such, no.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

ClairvoyanceOct 7, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Interesting plot, good cast, entertaining movie.

In this genre Criminal is an entertaining movie with a very good cast. Ryan Reynolds doesn't have a big part but for his limited screen time he did a good job. The movie mostly has to have it from Kevin Costner, that did what we are used of him by now, a good performance. I don't think I ever saw him acting badly. The rest of the cast all contributed to make Criminal an easy to follow action thriller with a touch of sci-fi. There are a couple cheesy moments, but not that important to ruin the movie. It's easy entertainment and sometimes that's just what we need.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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8

Castor600Sep 18, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Another underrated piece of art

I need to write 10 lines or more if i want this review to be published in this page, but i don't need to, this movie don't need that. I don't know why this movie have this bad rating and critics. I like the plot, the characters are amazing, the story line was good and Kevin Costner maybe with the greatest performance of his career. Right now we live in a world of copycats and directors and producers trying to make a movie of a movie of a movie, this movie make me have hope in better movies whit interesting plots in a future. The only think I don't like about this movie was the title. I have the feeling that this movie will be appreciated by many people in 10 or 15 years. If you're one of these guys that thinks that the ratings by the users on IMDb are always right, take a leap of faith and watch this masterpiece. You don't be disappointed.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

Kiosk80Sep 17, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A criminal is implanted with the memory of a dead CIA agent in hopes of stopping an imminent nuclear attack.

This movie feels like a Bourne movie without Matt Damon and his martial arts. The intrigue and the gritty action makes it feel like it takes place in a Bourne movie-verse. It helps that there is a lot of talented cast. Kevin Costner was excellent despite my initial doubts. Tommy Lee Jones played a convincing doctor who cares about his patient. However, there is not much for Gary Oldman. He is basically Commissioner Gordon with more dialogue and running. A brief appearance by Ryan Reynolds also helped drive the plot a lot. His nice-guy character helped set the tone for Costner's character development during the movie. In fact, Kevin Costner carries the movie effortlessly. He is both menacing, and sensitive. His combination of brutality, and sensitivity makes him a close parallel to Damon's Jason Bourne and gives a certain freshness to the spy genre. Yet, it is too bad Scott Adkins did not get to do much. He is the reason I wanted to see the movie in the first place. But I think if he does his martial arts in the movie, it would detract too much from the story. However, he does have quite a presence in the movie. You always feel that this guy has something in him, and he is so serious. In short, criminal is a surprisingly good movie and its strength lies on its focus on the characters, and what drives them; especially Kevin Costner's character.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

SextetSep 16, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely Superb

I came across "Criminal" by coincidence as I was browsing through movies on the plane. I chose this film because I was getting sick of Superhero films and wanted to watch anything without DC and Marvel characters. I saw that this movie had a good cast so I gave it a shot.

Lets say that I enjoyed this movie so much that I watched it again on the proper screen after my flight for a better experience.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

Celestial91Sep 15, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Popcorn rating 4 of 5

I believe so many opinions have polluted the idea of what a film is or should be and always aim to be so much more than just some person thinking they can tell a story people will enjoy.. this I believe is/was intending to be nothing more than a popcorn entertaining flick. This was a great rainy day mid-afternoon Sunday matinée. Sci-fi adventure action - disregarding the plot and holes all over the place - it was a fun ride. I am among those that like Costner and he appears to have had fun making and playing this new character. I am 100% certain once was enough - but it was $5.75 that I was not disappointed to exchange for 1hr 30 min film. bonus - the young Emma was just an adorable character. I will tell folks - I enjoyed it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

Bogyophobic34Sep 11, 2021

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1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

Abbatoir89Sep 4, 2021

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1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

AbolishAug 22, 2021

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1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

Parasol92Aug 11, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best films about crime & life.₩

I am amazed. Watched this movie a while back, and decided to do a rewatch on larger screen, and experience is exactly the same. Is this the best or perfect movie? No! But maybe best movie about crime and life together. When I say life I mean soul, emotions, humanity. There is all: from being wounded to being in love, from betrayal to having courage. All in authentic, 1st person experience, with all scientific details. Liked the stunts and technology too. Bit more amateur and typical than some best movies but still very good. Looks real. Similar bit to Prison Break, Jason Bourne, CSI, Replicas. Story is bit amateur and unrealistic, showing hacker and government making amateur mistakes, as if they are not trained, too unreal. But topic is the best. It shows possible use of science to turn bad into good, to exploit bad things so they become useful. End is the best, very positive and emotional.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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8

Libation70Aug 6, 2021

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2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Acquit77Jul 17, 2021

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1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

Stagger74Jul 11, 2021

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1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

Shroud189Jun 27, 2021

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8 of 9 users found this helpful81

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8

ReceptacleJun 22, 2021

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4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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9

Pluto744Jun 21, 2021

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2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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3

CasandraComplexNov 27, 2020

Incredibly predictable movie complete with Hollywood version of annoying, cloying little girl pleading to the better nature of the murderous beast.. barf
The only thing good about it and what I suspect is why the critics disliked it, is thatIncredibly predictable movie complete with Hollywood version of annoying, cloying little girl pleading to the better nature of the murderous beast.. barf
The only thing good about it and what I suspect is why the critics disliked it, is that the extreme leftist globalist terrorist gets defeated and gets his comeuppance . Funny how I'm beginning to see a pattern if when there is a huge disparity between what critics think is so wonderful and what the actual public despises. Just look at the Cuties reviews and that should tell you all you need to know. It was a terrible movie in spite of all of the wasted talent on the screen. Ryan Reynolds did well to die early in this polished turd of a movie. Critics are really showing how politicized their reviews have become. It's a wonder that anyone listens to them anymore because all they are in present day is an extension of the public relations arm of Chinese Communist China and the cowering sycophants of Hollywood.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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7

AWESOM-0Mar 20, 2020

Not a bad movie, it was enjoyable. The cast is pretty amazing and their performances are pretty good.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

RoboKarenAug 9, 2019

It's not a horrible movie.... but when your review starts with "it's not horrible" then I guess it was pretty horrible. I'm generally tolerant of bad action movies but there were SO MANY OP-SEC failures by both the CIA and the bad guys thatIt's not a horrible movie.... but when your review starts with "it's not horrible" then I guess it was pretty horrible. I'm generally tolerant of bad action movies but there were SO MANY OP-SEC failures by both the CIA and the bad guys that it was just sheer frustration watching it. Everyone is an idiot and entirely deserve to get nuked.… Expand

0 of 30 users found this helpful030

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5

BroyaxJan 28, 2019

Encore un gros triple A (à moins que ce ne soit un double) avec quelques stars vieillissantes mais qui ont encore du répondant comme le vieux Oldman, l'encore plus vieux Costner et le très vieux Jones... Mais c'est tout de même dans les vieuxEncore un gros triple A (à moins que ce ne soit un double) avec quelques stars vieillissantes mais qui ont encore du répondant comme le vieux Oldman, l'encore plus vieux Costner et le très vieux Jones... Mais c'est tout de même dans les vieux pots qu'on fait la meilleure soupe et à cet égard, ces bons acteurs ne déçoivent certainement pas... surtout ma foi l'inégal Costner ici dans le rôle principal du psychopathe en pleine rédemption à l'insu de son ignorance !

Costner est en vérité plus à l'aise dans ce genre de personnage bourru, brusque et mal élevé comme il l'avait déjà montré dans... Waterworld (putain, ça ne nous rajeunit pas...). Des belles filles sont également de la fête avec notamment Wonderbra Woman mais sans son costume ! Cette espèce de thriller complotiste (anti)terroriste est en tout cas des plus rocambolesques avec son échange de cerveau ou plutôt de mémoire entre un agent secret décédé et un psychopathe notoire encore en cabane...

On n'a pas le temps de s'ennuyer dans ce film au rythme soutenu qui assume ses conneries de scénariste surmené jusqu'au bout, à prendre bien entendu au second ou au troisième degré puisqu'il s'agit de sauver le monde (quand même) ! tandis que notre psychopathe devient un peu moins "sauvage"... On déplore que l'action soit autant malmenée par un montage trop nerveux et des caméras qui ont la tremblote de Parkinson... on a vu pire ailleurs certes mais on a vu aussi beaucoup mieux même si le "mieux" est rare à notre époque.

Entre sympathie et ridicule, le film oscille sans cesse mais se laisse regarder... il aurait pu être pire. Il aurait pu être mieux !… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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8

Tony1984Jan 30, 2018

This is probably the best I've ever seen Costner act. He really puts his heart and soul into this movie and it shows. Don't understand the critics disdain for it? Sure it's ludicrous but entertainingly so. The action is brilliant, theThis is probably the best I've ever seen Costner act. He really puts his heart and soul into this movie and it shows. Don't understand the critics disdain for it? Sure it's ludicrous but entertainingly so. The action is brilliant, the violence is in your face without being gratuitous. The English locations work very well and there is oodles of Sci-Fi to keep us happy. Also the narrative is compelling. I'm over scoring this to counter the silliness of the critics..yet again...… Expand

20 of 20 users found this helpful200

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5

JyroJyroAug 17, 2017

The concept of this movie is simply ludicrous but Kevin Costner seems to believe in it - in fact, he is the best feature of this strangely undecided sci-fi/thriller/espionage film. There was tremendous leeway for ethical issues to be exploredThe concept of this movie is simply ludicrous but Kevin Costner seems to believe in it - in fact, he is the best feature of this strangely undecided sci-fi/thriller/espionage film. There was tremendous leeway for ethical issues to be explored here, and in that sense it is a slightly missed opportunity.… Expand

0 of 30 users found this helpful030

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4

eva3si0nDec 4, 2017

Surprising example as having excellent cast to shoot the mediocre film. A plot boring and not interesting, and except Kevin Costner in the movie there is nothing to look.

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

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3

badgerryan19May 19, 2017

Wow what a opportunity missed. This movie had a lot going for it from its cast and a interesting story which was kinda like "Face Off". But the script was absolutely dreadful. The performances are the only reason why this movie wasn'tWow what a opportunity missed. This movie had a lot going for it from its cast and a interesting story which was kinda like "Face Off". But the script was absolutely dreadful. The performances are the only reason why this movie wasn't absolutely terrible.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

NigmeMar 17, 2017

Acting: 7 (for Gary Oldman & Gal Gadot)
Screenplay: 5
Ending: 1
My score: 5
Unfortunately Costner was not revealed in this movie
Bad copy of "Face/Off".

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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5

LaskeudeungFeb 1, 2017

The concept not too ridiculous i thought. Changing criminal (its titile) for being a cliche hero being. But pardon me for showing big dissapointment for Costner performance. Lack of his touch of this action agent movie and cheap scriptThe concept not too ridiculous i thought. Changing criminal (its titile) for being a cliche hero being. But pardon me for showing big dissapointment for Costner performance. Lack of his touch of this action agent movie and cheap script couldn't save this movie till the end. Despite , i still liked the idea.… Expand

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

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0

allfixxedJan 7, 2017

If you believe it's okay for your government to experiment on a brain-damaged prisoner, then either offer him a job if the experiment is a success or execute him if it isn't, then you will love this movie.

1 of 48 users found this helpful147

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8

smiyamotSep 24, 2016

Don't know why the critics didn't like this movie. Had a different story line, had professional and personal life story tie ins, okay, was kinda science fiction and the computer stuff a little low budget, and a few gaffs in the story line soDon't know why the critics didn't like this movie. Had a different story line, had professional and personal life story tie ins, okay, was kinda science fiction and the computer stuff a little low budget, and a few gaffs in the story line so it was not a "10" for me, but still a good movie. Spies (CIA), terrorists, killers, computer hackers, maybe the critics thought the story line was just too complicated and unbelievable.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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6

LeZeeSep 9, 2016

A man with the two minds!

This is a very familiar theme, but a different format and gives a different scientific excuse to execute the story. It is kind of 'Face/off' and 'Self/less' meets the 'Hardcore Henry'. It has some decent stuntA man with the two minds!

This is a very familiar theme, but a different format and gives a different scientific excuse to execute the story. It is kind of 'Face/off' and 'Self/less' meets the 'Hardcore Henry'. It has some decent stunt sequences, but most of the film was just running and chasing around. And then there's a youngster whose involvement was the centre of the narration.

It all begins when an American secret agent was killed before completing his mission in the London. The important data from his brain were transmitted to a prison serving convict and then after the surgery he goes loose. So the man hunt begins against the running out of the time where the original mission needs to be accomplished. How the rest of the story shapes up were a fast paced action-thriller.

Something I don't like in the todays films are the open ending keeping in mind a sequel. This was an average box office film, but they might make another film. Wonderful cast, though. There are too many big names and everybody did the brief roles, except Kevin Costner in the main character, a tough one. But I did not know it was his film till I watch. In the poster he looked like somebody else. Though he did well along with the others, particularly Gal Gadot who I saw recently as Wonder Woman and now as an ordinary wife. A swift pace, but the story was nothing, overly depended on the star value as well as the stunts and the technical quality. Overall film was okay kind, partially entertaining, because of the performances.

6/10… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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6

RalfbergsAug 16, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie itself was quite ok, even though the premise was not too well taught out as it had some weird points in the story which didn't make sense. For example, why did the woman whose husband was murdered got so attached to main character, I mean I get that he has her husband's memories and feelings, but that doesn't mean she should feel like that towards someone who she doesn't know and who already tried to rob her house and is a criminal. Also the ending was a bit weird. But all in all was an ok movie… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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4

jamessAug 3, 2016

A competent but forgettable thriller. If you took Face Off and changed it to brains, and slapped in a bunch of Jason Bourne surveillance stuff...well, you've got Criminal, a title as generic as the action. If you think Ryan Reynolds has aA competent but forgettable thriller. If you took Face Off and changed it to brains, and slapped in a bunch of Jason Bourne surveillance stuff...well, you've got Criminal, a title as generic as the action. If you think Ryan Reynolds has a co-starring role...well, it's really a grizzled Kevin Costner with implanted Reynolds memories. And I'm sorry. Just don't buy Costner as a violent sociopath with no empathy, who begins to care as Reynolds memories affect him. Yes, Reynolds completes him. Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Oldman pick up paychecks as "doctor" and "man in charge", but Gadot is actually effective as Reynolds wife. But I swear to God, a half hour after watching, I literally had to pick up the Redbox case to remember what I had just seen.… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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3

BrianMcCriticJul 30, 2016

So much talent wasted by a terrible script. This film fails in almost every way. Oldman, Costner, Reynolds, and Jones could have easily been replaced by much smaller names and gotten the same results. D

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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10

jaypitsch00Jul 30, 2016

This movie was way better than the critics are saying! I don't know what movie they are watching but it's definitely not the one I just watched. After the movie was over I literally jumped online to see if there was going to be a CriminalThis movie was way better than the critics are saying! I don't know what movie they are watching but it's definitely not the one I just watched. After the movie was over I literally jumped online to see if there was going to be a Criminal 2, that's how much I liked it. And that's when I saw that it didn't do so well in theaters and it's probably cause of these stupid critic's telling people not to go watch it. That's why I NEVER even look at the critics scores or what they are saying about a movie, cause they are all crap! The ONLY reason that I'm writing a review on this one is to get the ratings up, hoping that they do a sequel. I know that probably won't happen, but at least I tried. I think Kevin Costner was great in this film. He played that role perfectly, and he made me laugh several times. They should really make a Criminal 2.....… Expand

7 of 8 users found this helpful71

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0

thomasbabalolaJul 17, 2016

Crap,Utter crap .Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap Crap,Utter crap
I left after 20 minutes .

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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9

lghulmJun 25, 2016

For me personally this film represents one of the biggest discrepancies between a meteoritic score and my own personal opinion. I don't like crap films - this film was great. Good music, good acting, good script, good action and believableFor me personally this film represents one of the biggest discrepancies between a meteoritic score and my own personal opinion. I don't like crap films - this film was great. Good music, good acting, good script, good action and believable story (given the genre) 9/10.… Expand

16 of 18 users found this helpful162

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7

AestosJun 14, 2016

Interesting idea. I couldn't say exactly why, but I felt like a little something was missing. It was a solid movie, well acted with an interesting script. The plot, once you understand what is happening, feels predictable unfortunately butInteresting idea. I couldn't say exactly why, but I felt like a little something was missing. It was a solid movie, well acted with an interesting script. The plot, once you understand what is happening, feels predictable unfortunately but the outcome manages to feel worthwhile. For what it is trying to be, a thriller, it does well.

Worth a watch.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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10

kilihariMay 21, 2016

There is a reason why the "professional" reviews are so low and the userscore is so high. Watched this movie and I honestly got emotional, never happens to me. This movis is 10/10 without a doubt. The only stupid thing is the chose a poorThere is a reason why the "professional" reviews are so low and the userscore is so high. Watched this movie and I honestly got emotional, never happens to me. This movis is 10/10 without a doubt. The only stupid thing is the chose a poor "bad hacker" actor. That is all. This is Kevin Costner's best movie since Dances with Wolves, without a doubt.

By the way, I feel so strongly about what I just said that this is my first review ever.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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7

Tss5078May 9, 2016

Twenty years ago, a similar film called Face Off debuted, and while the story seemed ridiculous, somehow it worked. Criminal is in the same boat, as audiences have been kept away by the complicated plot, which also seems to work quite well.Twenty years ago, a similar film called Face Off debuted, and while the story seemed ridiculous, somehow it worked. Criminal is in the same boat, as audiences have been kept away by the complicated plot, which also seems to work quite well. The film starts with the brutal murder of a CIA agent, who has a secret vital to national security in his head. Out of desperation, the CIA turns to a doctor and an experimental procedure, which will allow the agents memories to be transferred into someone else's mind. The only problem is that the procedure requires a certain type of mind, the mind of a psychopath. Against his will, Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner) is transferred to CIA headwaters and given the agents memories, but will he become the good agent and help save the world, or will he return to his murderous ways? Kevin Costner stars and reminds us all of what a terrific actor he truly is. It's hard to remember, considering that for the passed two decades he's done mostly romantic garbage, that you couldn't pay me to sit through. Costner returns to action as if he'd never been gone and does an amazing job playing this deeply conflicted, flawed man. Paired with an all-star cast, that features a ton of cameos, Criminal never slows down and will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. It's not really the CIA crisis or the science fiction that keeps your interest throughout, it's the conflict growing in Jericho Stewart's brain, as he has essential turned into a person that is both good and evil. Yes, the story is a bit complicated, but it is fairly easy to follow, and Kevin Costner gives his best performance in at least a decade, making Criminal well worth the price of admission.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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8

toastedalmondMay 4, 2016

Well made action/thrillers don't come along very often these days. Most of them are B-movies or predictable rehashings of heist/revenge plots that I got bored of in the 80's. I appreciated the expense, acting, and editing of Criminal. TheWell made action/thrillers don't come along very often these days. Most of them are B-movies or predictable rehashings of heist/revenge plots that I got bored of in the 80's. I appreciated the expense, acting, and editing of Criminal. The story was far fetched but something different (Ryan Reynold's other memory switching movie aside). I enjoyed it more than Heist, American Heist, Takers, The Score, and most every movie of that formula since Heat set the bar. Critics were eager to trash it. The premise is unrealistic and the ending kind of funny but it was well made.

SPOILER: I would definitely watch a sequel in which the protagonist works for Gary Oldman on missions while struggling with the residual wildness of his host brain. And even better, watching his wife and daughter get used to life with a husband/father who is older than their dad/grandpa. Sounds amusing and entertaining.… Expand

22 of 22 users found this helpful220

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10

Moby1682May 3, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Criminal has an intriguing concept of a dead man's memories being transferred into a living person.

A CIA agent is killed by a terrorist after he is on the run from them, Ryan Reynolds plays the agent and he is

effective although his screen time is very brief. The villain is played by the actor from Bad Boys 2 and Blow
where he also played the villain. Tommy Lee Jones is perfect as the doctor even though his role is minor.

Gary Oldman overacts in a few scenes by delivering comical dialogue instead of assertive dialogue. The
action is well shot and there is enough to keep you engrossed. Criminal is similar to movies like the Bourne

series and Self/less which is also a mind transference thriller but the twists are dissimilar. Kevin Costner
Costner delivers the most intriguing performance in the movie. He transformed himself into a criminal

for the role. His speech, actions, movements and criminal ideas all match how an unfeeling criminal
would behave. In the movie he suffered an accident at the hands of father. His father threw him through a

car window and that damaged the temporal lobe in his brain. In order for the procedure to work the memories
have to be implanted into a person with a damaged temporal lobe. Costner's Jericho is unfeeling because

of his brain injury but then he has emotions from Bill's memories in his brain. He feels exactly what Bill felt
towards his wife and daughter when he was alive. Gal Gadot from Batman Versus Superman also adds

to the movie and the cast acts well off of one another. The terrorist is after a man named the Dutchman.
The Dutchman has access to nuclear missiles and the terrorist wants control of those missiles.

Bill won't tell him where he is so he murders him. Once Jericho has his memories the terrorist wants him
so he can gain access to the missiles. The CIA were going to pay the Dutchman off so he wouldn't give

anyone access to the missiles. The ending of Criminal is perfect and very positive. This is Kevin Costner's wittiest, adrenalized performace since Mr. Brooks.… Expand

54 of 58 users found this helpful544

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3

RobBob99Apr 25, 2016

Kevin Costner gives one of his most cringeworthy performances in Criminal, a poor excuse of an action film. The film wastes the talents of it's leads (even though I did enjoy Tommy Lee Jones, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot) in a complete mess ofKevin Costner gives one of his most cringeworthy performances in Criminal, a poor excuse of an action film. The film wastes the talents of it's leads (even though I did enjoy Tommy Lee Jones, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot) in a complete mess of a story that makes as such sense as a Michael Bay film.… Expand

3 of 38 users found this helpful335

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2

Rebecca31Apr 22, 2016

If I may start this with an actual quote from the movie - "You've only half a **** brain" well I can assure you that's all you need to watch this sorry excuse for a movie. CIA agent's memories get transplanted into a psychopaths brain inIf I may start this with an actual quote from the movie - "You've only half a **** brain" well I can assure you that's all you need to watch this sorry excuse for a movie. CIA agent's memories get transplanted into a psychopaths brain in order to stop a nuclear attack blah blah blah. Cue Gary Oldman shouting, Kevin Costner growling his lines, Tommy Lee Jones looking sad and the bad guy sitting at a laptop. Do not go see this, if you really want to watch something like this stay at home and put on Face/Off, at least that way you'll be entertained.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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6

TVJerryApr 20, 2016

Ryan Reynolds (in a semi-uncredited role) already made this movie. In "Self/less" his body was occupied by someone else's awareness. This time it's Kevin Costner (as the titular sociopath) who inherits CIA agent Reynold's memories. ThisRyan Reynolds (in a semi-uncredited role) already made this movie. In "Self/less" his body was occupied by someone else's awareness. This time it's Kevin Costner (as the titular sociopath) who inherits CIA agent Reynold's memories. This includes the location of a hacker who possess a program that can create world anarchy. As Kostner slowly inherits the skills and secrets, he becomes the gruff action hero of the film. It's fun to see usually gentle Kostner become so nasty. There are some decent action scenes, a solid cast of supporting actors and some attractive London locales. The film runs too long and the turns in the story are predictable. While there's nothing especially original here, it's still a relatively absorbing film.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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2

wcrosherApr 18, 2016

Criminal gets good performances from Kevin Costner and Gal Gadot, but absolutely wastes them on a incredibly generic storyline, boring action sequences, and plot holes left and right. For a movie that looks to be so original, it's amazingCriminal gets good performances from Kevin Costner and Gal Gadot, but absolutely wastes them on a incredibly generic storyline, boring action sequences, and plot holes left and right. For a movie that looks to be so original, it's amazing how generic it quickly becomes.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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9

JFTORTORELLAApr 15, 2016

The gruesome violence in the beginning caused me to close my eyes, and I was afraid I would be sorry I picked this movie, but my husband and I both enjoyed it immensely. The acting was superb, and the improbable plot captured and held myThe gruesome violence in the beginning caused me to close my eyes, and I was afraid I would be sorry I picked this movie, but my husband and I both enjoyed it immensely. The acting was superb, and the improbable plot captured and held my attention throughout. Costner really got into his character! Best of all, the ending was fantastic--very satisfying!… Expand

18 of 45 users found this helpful1827

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3

EpicLadySpongeApr 15, 2016

No one expected Criminal to be this paralyzing all over the place. It leaves people out expecting them to want more and even when it brings it, it is always dull and precedented. Criminal is against the law and should be filed up a violationNo one expected Criminal to be this paralyzing all over the place. It leaves people out expecting them to want more and even when it brings it, it is always dull and precedented. Criminal is against the law and should be filed up a violation for its own rights.… Expand

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

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3

danielnitesApr 15, 2016

Mind-melding sci-fi spy actioner Criminal stands as a derivative B-flick featuring tired action tropes fueled by the aging talent of former A-listers hoping to swoon the domestic market while, in reality, its sub-par performances andMind-melding sci-fi spy actioner Criminal stands as a derivative B-flick featuring tired action tropes fueled by the aging talent of former A-listers hoping to swoon the domestic market while, in reality, its sub-par performances and unenthusiastic plot barely pierces top VOD status.

Criminal's story rolls out with the quick and bloody write off of super spy Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds) who had been tracking a Dutch hacker, affectionately named "The Dutchman", who possess a plot device-type backdoor to the US nuclear military command. In order to recover the last location of the Dutchman, screenwriters Douglas Cook and David Weisberg (The Rock) recruit London's finest Quaker Wells (Gary Oldman) who desperately recruits experimental neurosurgeon Dr. Franks (Tommy Lee Jones) to transfer Pope's memories into another brain using an explanation-not-necessary cutting-edge technique.

Dr. Franks, channeling a bored Jones, inexplicably insists on using brain-dead death row's resident sociopath Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner) for the transfer. Jericho's lack of empathy, solitary condiment lifestyle and overall lack of human emotions concisely summarizes the film's short term goals while the newly-implanted memories and actions reflect the writers' self-serving ambitions.

From the inciting incident forward, Criminal stumbles from set-piece to set-piece as Jericho attempts to align himself with a modern day Frankenstein, snapping necks left and right and strangely reconnecting with Pope's widow Jill (Gal Gadot) who, along with Costner (at times), delivers a convincing performance despite the screenplay's contrived efforts to box them in. At one point, the film's intentions become too far-fetched and frankly too ambitious for a cut-and-dry action flick as Criminal careens towards unnecessary philosophical aims echoed in Jericho's emotional connection with the Pope family.

Inconsistent tonality and fleeting tension particularly around lead performances is indicative of Ariel Vromen's long nap at the helm as key scenes seem hammered unceremoniously together in post, sending the sensory volume into the stratosphere. The same can be said about Vremon's technical direction. While the action sequences will certainly satisfy genre diehards with its efficient off-brand Bourne-style package complete with shaky cams and pedestrian POV shots, it ultimately becomes an all-too-familiar distraction from the uninspired tale.

Criminal's largest problem is that it rests too comfortably on the laurels of the action genre, binging on its confidence, never feeling the need to innovative beyond an exotic locale or some flashy character trait. In truth, a rested and mindful cast and crew could surly transplant it into domestic box office territory.

--Film Review Weekly… Expand

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

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