| | | by the time you figure it out... you've been had
Features: DVD, Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 1.85:1, Dolby Digital (5.1), English, French, Spanish Subtitled
John C. Reilly, Diego Luna and Maggie Gyllenhaal navigate the con-or-be-conned world of the L.A. grift in a clever caper directed by Gregory Jacobs and produced by Jacobs, George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh. A $750,000 one-night score awaits Richard and Rodrigo if they can flimflam an antique-currency collector (Peter Mullan) - a ruse soon packed with more twists than a box of pretzels. For suspense, surprise and a wow ending, catch this Criminal!
"A confidence game so complex, so slick, you'll be hooked." Gene Shalit, Today
"Great fun!" John Anderson, Newsday
"A breathless and dazzling caper that knocks your socks off." New York Observer
"Caper-movie lightning in a bottle." Scott Foundas, La Weekly
Editor's Note
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.
| Features | Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Selection | | Subtitles: English, French, Spanish | | Widescreen Presentation |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Warner |
| Release Date: 9/27/2005 |
| Running Time: 87 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 2004 | | Catalog ID: 38968 | | UPC: 00085393896829 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English [CC], English | | Available Subtitles: English, French, Spanish | | Video: Color |
| Cast & Crew
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| | Professional Reviews | Movieline's Hollywood Life
"[T]he cinematography by Chris Menges is first-rate..." 09/01/2004 p.115New York Times
"[A] clever and diverting caper film....Ms. Gyllenhaal radiates the intelligence, charm and efficiency of the world's most polished concierge..." 09/10/2004 p.E11 Entertainment Weekly
"The performances are winning -- Gyllenhall is particularly sharp as an aggrieved sibling, and there's mutual zing in her scenes with Reilly." 09/17/2004 p.51 Los Angeles Times
"[C]lever and witty....CRIMINAL captures Los Angeles in a straightforward, naturalistic way..." 09/10/2004 p.E10 Chicago Sun-Times
"The plot as it uncoils is indeed ingenious." 09/10/2004 p.31 Uncut
"[With] its classy ensemble cast and fast-moving action, this character-driven piece is way more gritty and smart and 1970s-cool than most flabby mainstream heist movies." 02/01/2005 p.100 Sight and Sound
"The two leads are well cast. John C. Reilly excels as Gaddis, the embattled, unscrupulous con artist..." 02/01/2005 p.49 |
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