Criminal

If you didn't see this movie in the theaters, I don't blame you. It was out at a time when some other very interesting things were playing. It was not a blockbuster, but that is more a critique of the average viewing public and less a comment on the film itself.

Writer and Director Gregory Jacobs score big in his first outing. He has however many impressive credits under his belt as assistant director. It is obvious he has been to school with some of the greats he has worked with. Kudos Mr. Jacobs. Keep 'em coming.

Some have said this is simply a contemporized version of my favorite movie, The Sting. If you have not seen that one either, do so soon. Don't wait for it to get a review here. There are several significant differences between The Sting, and Criminal. Star power alone sets them apart. Yes, they both let you think you know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. But in Criminal you may not like any of the main characters. In the Sting, there are a couple of lovable characters. If I explain any more of the differences it'll spoil one movie or the other. See them both and judge for yourself.

John C. Reilly (Days of Thunder AND Talladega Nights, Hoffa AND Gangs of New York, Tenacious D AND Chicago) does it all. Drama, comedy, musical, serious, big rolls and small. He is wonderful. In this story however is the guy you'll most likely love to hate. A con's con, he helps a younger criminal pull off a bait and switch of a lifetime.

Diego Luna (Open Range, The Terminal, and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights) is the young con who seeks out Reilly's character for mentoring. Who is teaching whom what?

Maggie Gyllenhaal (Secretary, Mona Lisa Smile, and Monster House) comes in later in the movie, but figures hugely in the story. That about all I can say. She does a fun job her and I look forward to seeing her more often in good stories.

As with most other films based in and filmed on location in LA generally, and Beverly Hills specifically, there are a wide range of odd, interesting, fun, and fantastic supporting characters. Oddly enough it was a scene from a totally different type of movie that I thought of at the end of this film.

If you remember the scene from "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" when the group of patients is being introduced as doctor this and professor that as they prepare for a fishing expedition, then you'll have a glimpse into how this movie ends. There, I've spoiled it.

Watch this movie with someone who is a bad liar.