Synopsis:
Kevin Costner stars in this story of the right man in the wrong body. In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative’s memories, secrets, and skills are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous death-row inmate in the hopes that he will complete the operative’s mission.
What We Thought:
Criminal is a disappointing mess. With a fantastic cast, the film is somehow extremely lackluster and feels like a rip off of another disappointing film Self/less.
Overall I do like Kevin Costner. He’s usually good even if the film isn’t. Gary Oldman is a person favorite. Tommy Lee Jones is usually good and the film also has Alice Eve, Wonder Woman Gal Gadot, Michael Pitt and Ryan Reynolds in a small role.
My biggest issue with the film is that Costner just wasn’t believable in the role. He grunts and is hard to understand at times and I just never bought him as a super crazy bad guy. He can play a bad guy, but his character is supposed to have issues with his brain and lacks emotion and empathy. He didn’t make for a believable psychopath/killer.
Plus the plot is pretty much the same as Self/less or even Source Code. Self/less had dying people having their consciousness being put into the bodies of younger/(allegedly) healthier bodies, but the memories soon came back of the host body. This has the consciousness of a dead agent being put into Costner’s crazy mind in order to figure out what the dead agent knew. His memories start seeping out and Costner has to battle both.
Despite the talented people in it, it just never gets going. All the characters seem like walking stereotypes that these actors could do in their sleep. I understand why the film didn’t do much at the box office.
That being said, the 4K Ultra HD release looks AMAZING. It’s absolutely stunning to look at and the action scenes look flawless. If you didn’t see it at the theater, this 4K is pretty much the same just on a smaller screen. Audio is top-notch with clear dialogue (besides Costner’s grunts), nicely sounding effects and action. It has some solid bonus features too including multiple featurettes and music video.
Criminal should be a much better film with the cast and crew involved. I’m a big fan of Director Ariel Vromen’s previous film The Iceman and I wish this was as realistic as that one. The 4K release looks stunning, but the film itself is pretty much a dud. All that can be said is…
EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING!
Bonus Features:
- Deleted Scenes
- “Criminal Intent” Featurette
- Director’s Notes Featurette
- Mdsonik’s “Drift and Fall Again” Music Video
Cast & Crew:
- Tommy Lee Jones
- Gary Oldman
- Kevin Costner
- Ryan Reynolds
- Michael Pitt
- Gal Gadot
- Alice Eve
Recommended If You Like:
- Self/less
- Source Code
- Kevin Costner
The Nerds Templar 