Details
Movie Description
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.
Film Notes
DVD Features:
Region (unknown)
Keep Case
Widescreen 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Surround 5.1 English
IN THEATRES: SEPTEMBER 10, 2004 (LIMITED)
Industry Reviews
"[T]he cinematography by Chris Menges is first-rate..."
Movieline's Hollywood Life - Stephen Farber (09/01/2004)
"[A] clever and diverting caper film....Ms. Gyllenhaal radiates the intelligence, charm and efficiency of the world's most polished concierge..."
New York Times - Stephen Holden (09/10/2004)
"The performances are winning -- Gyllenhall is particularly sharp as an aggrieved sibling, and there's mutual zing in her scenes with Reilly."
Entertainment Weekly - Lisa Schwarzbaum (09/17/2004)
"[C]lever and witty....CRIMINAL captures Los Angeles in a straightforward, naturalistic way..."
Los Angeles Times - Carina Chocano (09/10/2004)
"The plot as it uncoils is indeed ingenious."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (09/10/2004)
"[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."
Uncut - Stephen Dalton (02/01/2005)
"The two leads are well cast. John C. Reilly excels as Gaddis, the embattled, unscrupulous con artist..."
Sight and Sound - Geoffrey Macnab (02/01/2005)
|
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
All rights reserved.
