A con artist finds family squabbles are getting in the way of a major payday in this sharp blend of comedy and suspense, based on the Argentinean hit Nueve Reinas (aka Nine Queens). Richard Gaddis (John C. Reilly) is a smart-suited confidence man who knows how to run a big con but prefers to pull off a number of small scams over the course of the day, cheating a lot of folks out of a little instead of taking one or two for a lot. One day, while looking for marks at a gambling casino, Gaddis
spies Rodrigo (Diego Luna), a fellow grifter with little polish but obvious talent. Gaddis takes Rodrigo under his wing, and after showing him a few tricks, the two begin working as a team. A golden opportunity presents itself when Gaddis learns the whereabouts of an incredibly valuable antique bank note just as an ideal customer is passing through town; Gaddis and Rodrigo quickly try to set up a deal that will separate cash from customer without the note actually changing hands, but the scheme proves complicated enough that others have to be brought in, causing each individual's share of the loot to dwindle. Adding to Gaddis' annoyance is the appearance of his sister Valerie (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who works at the hotel where the deal is to go down and isn't especially happy with her brother and his attempts to get his hands on the family's fortune. Criminal marked the directorial debut of Gregory Jacobs, who previously distinguished himself as a producer and assistant director. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
With dashes of black humour and pointed glimpses of the American class system, Criminal is a taut con-versus-con game whose deft artistry isn't fully revealed until the last few minutes.
Jacobs -- who for many years was Soderbergh's assistant director -- keeps things moving at a sprightly pace, and cinematographer Chris Menges does a terrific job of capturing L.A. in all its mercurial glory.
Con film aficionados won't find the picture revolutionary, but even they should enjoy the structure, craftsmanship and a nice supporting performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Considerando-se que o ótimo Nove Rainhas foi realizado há apenas alguns anos, esta refilmagem soa desnecessária, por mais interessante que seja seu roteiro.
Decent film about two con men, but you kind of figure there is going to be double crossing and it's not very shocking when it happens. I think with this type of movie it's kind of, seen one, seen them all, but as they are not really a favourite genre of mine anyhow, I would say this was a good one as I did enjoy it
and didn't get overly bored watching it. Cast are all good.
A fun movie that had a lot of great twists and great acting. While I really hated the cinematography and general direction, it was just too well written and energetic to not like. John C. Reilly was flawless, he continues to amaze me time and time again. He is one of the most gifted and versatile actors working in
Hollywood. I'd say it's a definite must for any fans of hustler films.
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