Synopsis
Needing a new partner capable of intricate cons, Richard Gaddis, recruits Rodrigo, a crook with a perfect poker face. The two plan a big-time scam: selling a fake Silver Certificate to currency collector William Hannigan. Rodrigo distrusts his new associate, but needs money to help out his ill father. The situation becomes more complicated when Rodrigo falls for Gaddis' sister, Valerie, drawing another player into the game.
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Cast
- John C. ReillyRichard Gaddis
- Diego LunaRodrigo
- Maggie GyllenhaalValerie
- Peter MullanWilliam Hannigan
- Zitto KazannOchoa
- Jonathan TuckerMichael
- Laura CerónWaitress
- Soledad St. HilaireWaitress #2
- Ellen GeerGrandma
- Brandon KeenerWaiter/ Daniel
Recommendations
- 80
L.A. Weekly
The cast is brilliant, not least of all Reilly -- vaguely despicable, smooth as an oil slick and altogether mesmerizing in the most impressive screen performance he's yet given. - 75
ReelViews
A respectable caper movie in the tradition of "The Sting" and David Mamet's "Heist." - 70
The New York Times
Even with its tepid lead performance, Criminal is a clever and diverting caper film. At least, it is as long as you don't think too hard about it. - 67
Entertainment Weekly
The performances are winning -- Gyllenhaal is particularly sharp as an aggrieved sibling, and there's mutual zing in her scenes with Reilly. - 60
Variety
More a tribute than a remake, Steven Soderbergh-approved take on Argentine hit "Nine Queens" isn't quite as sharp or surprising as the original, one of the best scam pics of the past decade. - 60
Village Voice
He (Jacobs) and cinematographer Chris Menges compose the film largely in close-ups, and the effect is appropriately unnerving. Regardless, unfavorable comparisons to "Nine Queens" are inevitable. - 60
The Hollywood Reporter
Although Criminal retains its source material's cleverness and intricate plotting, something seems to have been lost in the translation. - 50
Rolling Stone
Here's the problem: The movie was made just four years ago by Argentinian director Fabian Bielinsky. It is called "Nine Queens," and it is vastly superior to this blah U.S. remake from director Gregory Jacobs.
