Review of Criminal (2016) by Maksim B — 06 Oct 2016

Undeservedly panned by many critics, Criminal is a dark, neo-noir thriller with sci-fi scientific elements that explores an intriguing concept and satisfies with solid heavy-weight performances. Far from being convincing or consistent this Kevin Costner-vehicle is a gloomy and restrained action thriller which will certainly mildly appeal to older audiences and fans of the genre.

When Special CIA Agent Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds) is killed in action, there is only one experimental way to recover his memory and abilities in order to prevent a dangerous plot of an international villain. The only option for the CIA Lead Quaker Wells (Gary Oldman) is to trust the unproven method offered by Dr. Franks (Tommy Lee Jones) and to experiment on the sociopath Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner). As it could be expected, the operation is not as successful as Well has hoped and Jericho seems to remember only part of Bill's past and memories. When he manages to escape from the CIA he starts to search for answers related to the past of the person whose memories have been implanted to him.

The overall concept of Ariel Vromen's delivery is pretty intriguing, but it never truly convinces to be a plausible story. The scientific part simply does not make sense and from the very beginning this will somehow prevent you from taking everything seriously. On the other side, Criminal satisfies with a dark and serious mood, which is supported by the presence of heavy-weights as Oldman and Tommy Lee Jones. Both have the charisma to add-up a certain level of CIA-credibility to the movie which combined with Costner's renegade character compensates for the unconvincing story. Speaking of Costner, it should be said that he delivers an impressive performance as a confused sociopath and it is pleasing to see him capable of developing his character throughout the movie.

On a side note, it should be mentioned that Ariel Vromen's taste for music is outstanding. Criminal has a killer soundtrack and you will find yourself fully enjoying Solomun's remix of Late Night by Foals. M83's Outro or Madsonik's Drift and fall Again.

In conclusion, Criminal is certainly not a bad neo-noir thriller. It fails to fully convince, but so do many other similar deliveries. Trashed by the critics, this movie deserves as far better reception and I would certainly recommend it if you are looking for a decent home entertainment.