Review of Criminal (2016) by Luis A — 15 Apr 2016

So this movie has some elements of the 1997 Travolta/Cage movie Face Off combined with Kevin Costner channeling his character from Waterworld. Lots of grunting and impulse control combined with a lack of empathy makes for a strange "hero" character.

You do get to see his gradual development as he combines memories with Reynolds character. In many ways the unexpected behavior adds to the entertainment as Costner punches his way through an upscale coffee shop or grabs a ride from some tough guys.

There is a dangerous edge to seeing him use his new skills/memories to steal stuff and threaten some innocent people just before his memories drop some morality into his life. I enjoyed his character and Kevin was solid in his performance.

What took some stars away was the sloppy writing for Oldman's character. He is out of control and acts in a more self defeating way than the brain damaged criminal! I would rather have seen the CIA show some competency while Costner used his Bourne like skills to actually outwit them.

The bad guys are ok but we never really learn of their motivations so they are just a plot device rather than a third force that could have been very interesting. They set up a potential sequel but I don't see that coming out very soon.

In summary - potential and some good acting but they did not commit enough to the CIA or bad guys to make the story grab your attention.