Is Criminal a Good Movie?
Directed by Ariel Vromen and released in 2016, Criminal is an action-thriller film that has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. With a talented cast, including Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, the movie promises an exciting ride filled with action, suspense, and twists. But is it really worth watching?
The Story
Criminal follows the story of Jericho Stewart (Ryan Reynolds), a volatile and ruthless hitman who is dying from a terminal brain disorder. To save his life, a top-secret government agency, the Department of Justice, conducts an experiment to transfer the memories of a deceased CIA agent, Bill Pope (Tom Berenger), into Jericho’s brain. The transfer is successful, and Jericho gains access to Bill’s memories and skills.
However, as Jericho navigates Bill’s world, he must also navigate the complex web of corruption and deceit that Pope had uncovered before his death. With the help of Bill’s former partner, Amy (Gal Gadot), Jericho must use his new skills to uncover the truth and prevent a catastrophic attack on the city.
The Cast
The cast of Criminal is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. Ryan Reynolds shines as the troubled and rough-around-the-edges Jericho, bringing a sense of unpredictability and charm to the role. Gal Gadot is equally impressive as Amy, the strong and capable CIA agent who helps Jericho on his mission. Kevin Costner adds depth and gravity to the film as Dr. Vass, a brilliant scientist who conducts the memory transfer experiment.
The Action and Suspense
Criminal delivers on its promise of action and suspense, with crisp and intense fight choreography and nail-biting sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s pacing is well-balanced, switching seamlessly between moments of tense suspense and adrenaline-fueled action.
The Plot Twists
The movie’s plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. The story is full of surprises, with sudden revelations and unexpected betrayals that keep the audience engaged.
The Themes
Criminal explores several themes, including the nature of identity and the consequences of playing God. Jericho’s struggle to reconcile his old self with his new identity raises important questions about the morality of memory transfer and the impact it can have on an individual’s sense of self.
The Verdict
So, is Criminal a good movie? While it may not be a perfect film, it has its moments of brilliance and is worth watching for fans of the action-thriller genre. Here are a few reasons why:
- The cast delivers strong performances: Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, and Kevin Costner are all excellent in their respective roles.
- The action and suspense are intense and well-executed: The film’s pacing and fight choreography are some of its strongest assets.
- The plot is engaging and unpredictable: With its twists and turns, Criminal keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
However, Criminal is not without its flaws. Some critics have pointed out that the film’s plot is somewhat predictable and that the characters are not as fully fleshed out as they could be.
Rating
Overall, I would give Criminal a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. While it may not be a perfect film, it is a fun and engaging ride that is worth watching for fans of the action-thriller genre.
Table: Key Cast and Crew
Role | Actor/Actress |
---|---|
Jericho Stewart | Ryan Reynolds |
Amy | Gal Gadot |
Dr. Vass | Kevin Costner |
Bill Pope | Tom Berenger |
Director | Ariel Vromen |
Screenplay | Douglas Cook, David Weisberg |
Conclusion
Criminal may not be a perfect movie, but it is a fun and engaging ride that is worth watching for fans of the action-thriller genre. With a talented cast, intense action sequences, and a gripping plot, Criminal is a movie that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.