Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this movie includes strong language, sexual references (including brokering of a family member for financial gain), drinking, smoking, tension, and peril. The characters in the movie are crooks who cheat other people out of money.
Families who see this movie could talk about the decision Richard has to make when his mark adds an extra condition to the deal. Why is it worth it to him to agree? How do people who make a living being untrustworthy decide who to trust?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Nell Minow
The con man's greatest asset is not the gullibility of the mark, but the greed. It's much easier to persuade someone that you are dishonest than honest, especially if he is intrigued by the chance to be just a little dishonest for once, too.
And it is our own slightly crooked impulses that make films about con men so much fun to watch, as long as we can avoid sympathy for the mark.
CRIMINAL begins with Richard (John C. Reilly), a professional con man rescuing Rodrigo (Diego Luna), a beginner and offering to take him on as a partner. But first they have to show each other what they can do.
Then they begin the big con -- they plan to sell a forgery to a zillionaire who is staying at a luxury hotel where Richard's estranged sister is a manager. The rich guy has to leave the country soon, but he collects rare currency and if Richard's bill can be verified, he wants to buy it.
The nicely twisty script was first filmed as the Argentinean film, Nine Queens. This American remake has a strong cast and some nice surprises, but misses the sparkle of the original.
Families who enjoy this movie may also enjoy Confidence, Matchstick Men, Heist, A Big Hand for the Little Lady, and The Sting.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentSexual references and non-explicit situations. |
 |
|||
ViolenceTense emotional scenes, some violence. |
|
|||
LanguageVery strong language -- many f-words. |
 |
|||
Message |
|
|||
Social BehaviorThe characters in the movie are crooks who cheat other people out of money. |
 |
|||
Commercialism |
 |
|||
Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoDrinking, smoking. |
|
|||
